A narcotics cop who stole $45,000 from a drug dealer and used it to remodel his Long Island home was sentenced to two years behind bars yesterday. Former Detective Carlos Rodriguez was the first officer to be sentenced in the worst scandal to hit the NYPD in a decade. At least nine other cops have been implicated in thefts of drugs and cash from upper Manhattan coke peddlers.

"It was the worst decision I've made in my life," Rodriguez, 39, told Judge Carol Amon at Brooklyn Federal Court.

"It has ruined my life, and I've been distraught and overcome with guilt for the shame I've brought to my family," he said.

The scandal erupted in November when two detectives were nabbed stealing $169,000 from a drug runner.