PENNSYLVANIA – Six Philadelphia narcotics officers were indicted for robbing, extorting, beating, kidnapping and threatening suspects
The indictment was unsealed Wednesday charging six members of the Philadelphia Police Department’s Narcotics Field Unit in a conspiracy to abuse their official positions to rob suspected drug dealers.
The six who are assigned to the Police Department’s Narcotics Field Unit are Thomas Liciardello, Brian Reynolds, Michael Spicer, Perry Betts, Linwood Norman, and John Speiser.
They are charged in a racketeering, conspiracy, robbery, extortion, kidnapping, and drug dealing.
In one alleged incident, authorities said a person was removed from his own home and held captive for several days in a hotel room while members of the enterprise threatened him and made threats against his family.
“The reprehensible conduct alleged to have been committed by the six charged officers tarnishes the badge held by the thousands of officers who currently serve—and have previously served—this city with distinction,” said U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger. “Today’s indictment makes clear that my office will continue to thoroughly investigate credible allegations of police misconduct to bring to justice those officers who disrespect the badge.”
Charges also include RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to deprive of civil rights, deprivation of civil rights, Hobbs Act robbery, extortion, carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, falsifying records, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey told the NBC TV affiliate that each officer will be suspended for 30 days with the intent to dismiss.
The alleged conduct occurred between February 2006 and November 2012, while the defendants were working as members of NFU.
According to the indictment, during searches of suspected drug dealers and their homes, the defendants stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and personal items, including Rolex watches and electronics and, in some incidents, used excessive force such as:
- Leaning one victim over an 18th floor balcony railing in an attempt to obtain information.
- Kicking a victim in the mouth; punching a victim causing damage to his teeth.
- Hitting a victim in the back of the head with a steel bar.
The indictment also states that members of the conspiracy engaged in the following acts:
- Stole suspected drug proceeds and a safe containing $80,000 from the home of a suspected drug dealer.
- Interrogated a suspect by lifting him off his feet and leaning him over a balcony railing on the 18th floor of his apartment house.
- Broke into a residence and threatened to shoot the occupant.
- Stole approximately $13,000 from a safe in a home that belonged to the parents of a person they suspected of drug dealing.
“The crimes alleged here are indefensible,” said FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Edward Hanko. “That many of the victims were drug dealers, not Boy Scouts, is irrelevant. Police officers are sworn to uphold the law—and to do it ‘by the book.’ This corrupt group chose to make their own rules. Now they will have to answer for it.”
After each incident, the indictment alleges that one of the defendants, the indictment stated that most often Liciardello, subsequently authored Philadelphia Police Department reports which falsely stated the amount of the seizure or did not mention the seizure at all.
“It’s never a good feeling when you have to deliver this type of news about members of your department; however, it shows the ongoing efforts of our FBI/Internal Affairs task force to rid the department of individuals who don’t belong in our ranks,” said Commissioner Charles Ramsey.
Adding, “These officers don’t represent the majority of this department. The majority of our department was represented in the dedicated police work displayed during the past few days, working endlessly with the community and getting wanted criminals off the street. We will continue to be transparent; we will continue to pursue those involved in corruption, and remove those who don’t belong in this department. We will continue to make strong efforts in developing trusting relationships with every community as we build a safer Philadelphia for our citizens.”
If convicted, each of the defendants faces up to life in prison, with the exception of defendant Speiser who is facing up to 40 years.