LAKE VIEW TERRACE : 2 in Cocaine Ring Admit Conspiracy

Two members of a northeast San Fernando Valley crack cocaine ring have pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges, the first convictions following the investigation of the group believed responsible in the killings of four people at a Lake View Terrace drug house in 1988.

Provine McCloria, 21, pleaded guilty Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court to conspiring to help suspects avoid prosecution for the Aug. 28, 1988, shooting deaths of two suspected drug dealers, one of their girlfriends and her 2-year-old daughter. The woman and her child were bystanders who were not involved in a drug dispute that led to the shooting.

McCloria could face up to three years in prison when sentenced next month by Judge Alexander H. Williams.

On Friday, William Settle, 34, a bookkeeper who kept ledgers charting the profits from eight drug houses operated by the so-called Bryant organization, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell cocaine. Settle, who had been in jail for 1 1/2 years since his arrest, was sentenced by Williams to five years in prison. That sentence was suspended, and he was set free on three years probation.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Jan L. Maurizi said that under the terms of plea agreements with both Pacoima men, they will not be called as prosecution witnesses in the upcoming trial stemming from the quadruple shooting.

Ten more suspected ring members, including two of Settle’s brothers, are awaiting trial in the murder and conspiracy case.