D'Agosta pleaded guilty to a federal extortion charge in December, admitting the shakedown began soon after the gambling business started in summer 2002.

The detective demanded protection money and collected nearly every week until Sept. 4, 2003, receiving about $11,000, according to court papers. D'Agosta said he threatened to have the owner arrested if payments were not made.

A 24-year veteran of the Jersey City P.D., he resigned in October after learning of the FBI investigation, authorities said.

D'Agosta, 47, of Jersey City also has pleaded guilty in state court to a single count of official misconduct. As part of his plea bargain, he will serve a state term at the same time as the federal time.