HOUSTON (CBS Houston) Two Houston police officers are accused of accepting money to help protect a cocaine distribution scheme.

A press release from United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson stated that 26-year-old Emerson Canizales of Kingwood, and Michael Miceli, 26, of Humble, were apprehended Sunday at the start of their shifts at the Houston Police Department; both officers were named in an indictment “charging conspiracy to violate the Hobbs Act and conspiracy to possess a controlled substance.”

According to the Department of Justice, Miceli and Canizales accepted a payment of $1,000 for protection they provided to distribute drugs in Houston back in December of 2012.

If convicted, each faces no less than 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million fine. If both of the officers are convicted of violating the Hobbs Act, they could each receive up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.