An ex- New Orleans police officer pleaded guilty Wednesday to knowingly falsifying facts and covering up a fatal shooting involving police in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Retired Lt. Michael Lohman, 42, pleaded culpable in U.S. District Court. His plea is part of a federal investigation into numerous police shootings in 2005 in the hectic and desperate days following Katrina, according to reports. Michael Lohman could spend up to 5 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for May 26.

In total, 7 officers were charged with murder or attempted murder in the shootings, which occurred September 4, 2005, almost 1 week after the deadly storm, ravaged the city and other parts of the South.

The charges were later on dropped, reports stated.

As per the reports, the shooting occurred as local police and other law enforcement officers accosted 6 people crossing the Danziger Bridge. Officers opened fire on the group and in the process killed 40-year-old Ronald Madison, a mentally challenged individual, also 19-year-old James Brissette. But, reported witness accounts said the officers fired at unarmed persons.

Federal documents stated that Michael Lohman arrived on the scene after the shooting and encouraged officers to falsify reports to point out the individuals opened fire on officers first. He reportedly also gave them consent to plant a firearm at the scene of the crime.

As said by the federal authorities, more pleas and convictions could follow with further investigations.