It’s a corruption case that’s sending shock-waves through the Philadelphia Police Department and community.
“I can say that I’ve been a police officer for more than 40 years and this is one of the worst cases of corruption I have ever heard.” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner, Charles Ramsey.
Federal Agents arrested six Philadelphia Police Narcotics Officers Wednesday morning as part of a nearly two-year corruption probe.
Investigators say they stole more than $500,000 in cash, drugs and personal property between 2006 and 2012; they then shared in the profits.
“Like everyday drug dealers do, that’s what they were doing,” said U.S. Attorney Zane Memeger.
“It’s a malignancy that’s there and if you don’t cut it out, it will not improve on its own,” Ramsey added.
The indictment also paints a picture of brutality, claiming the officers dangled suspects over high-rise balconies during interrogations and beat them, all for fun.
The indictment states, “While participating in a game, the participants would receive points for different types of physical abuse that they could inflict on subjects.”
“These acts alleged in the indictment go beyond egregious,” Ed Hanko with the FBI said.
The officers are facing multiple charges including extortion, robbery, kidnapping and drug-dealing.
An attorney for the officers, however, says they’re innocent.
“We’re going to fight the case and we’re going to fight the allegations,” said Defense Attorney, Greg Pagano.
The names of the officers are:
Thomas Liciardello, Brian Reynolds, Michael Spicer, Perry Betts, Linwood Norman, and John Speiser.