Narcotics officers reportedly steal more than half a million dollars from suspects
theGRIO REPORT - The FBI has arrested six Philadelphia Police narcotics officers as part of a corruption probe into the department.
The FBI has arrested six Philadelphia Police narcotics officers as part of a corruption probe into the department.
The group is accused of stealing over $500,000 in cash, drugs, and stolen property over multiple years on the force, reports NBC Philadelphia.
The U.S. Attorney’s office worked with the FBI and the police department to arrest the six, who now face multiple charges of extortion, robbery, drug dealing and kidnapping.
The alleged incidents occurred between February 2006 and November 2012.
NBC 10 identifies the officers arrested as Thomas Liciardello, 38; Perry Betts, 46; Linwood Norman, 46; Brian Reynolds, 43; John Speiser, 42; and Michael Spicer, 46.
According to the indictment, the officers allegedly took over $100,000 from one suspect who they detained illegally, held another man over a 35th-floor balcony, and stole a large quantity of cocaine, then distributed it, among other things.
“I have been a police officer for more than 40 years and this is one of the worst cases of corruption that I have ever heard,” Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey told NBC.
All six have been suspended for 30 days with intent to dismiss.
“Unfortunately, a very small percentage of police officers continue to toss their oath aside and act like the very criminals they have sworn to bring to justice,” said U.S Attorney Zane David Memeger.
The indictment has resulted in the dismissal of hundreds of open cases and the overturning of over 80 drug convictions. The indicted officers have pleaded not guilty.
Click here to read more on NBC 10.
Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.
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