Updated December 2, 1999, 4:50 p.m. ET

Private investigator who tipped off tabloids about Ramsey case pleads guilty to racketeering

GOLDEN, Colo. (Court TV) — Last June, a Colorado private investigator was charged with leaking confidential information about the JonBenet Ramsey investigation to a tabloid. Now, Regana Rapp has pleaded guilty to racketeering and will receive a two year deferred sentence along with 50 hours of community service.

Regana Rapp, 29, and her husband, James Joseph Rapp, 39, were charged with two counts of racketeering. Mr. Rapp's arraignment was postponed because he is in the process of working on a separate plea bargain.

According to the Denver Post, the couple operated a profitable business providing information to clients like Larry Olmstead who runs a private detective agency serving tabloid media.

Investigators working for the Rapps allegedly used deceptive practices — posing as the person about whom they sought information — to obtain phone records, credit card bills and bank records. During the Ramsey investigation the couple allegedly obtained John and Patsy Ramsey's credit card bills and a police detective's phone number.

The Rapps have also operated other investigation businesses including "Dirty Deeds Done Cheap" and "Phantom Investigations."

JonBenet was found beaten and strangled Dec. 26, 1996, in the basement of the Ramsey's Boulder home. No indictments have been issued.