The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office has dropped at least one drug case in court, but sources believe hundreds could follow in the wake of a letter sent to Philadelphia Police, FOX 29's Jeff Cole reports.
The letter, sent to Commissioner Charles Ramsey, was obtained by FOX 29 on Wednesday.
The letter is blunt and states that the DA's office will no longer be using six officers as witnesses in narcotics cases.
"I am writing to inform you that in an exercise of prosecutorial discretion, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office will no longer be using the following officers as witnesses in narcotics cases," the letter reads.
The letter lists officers Thomas Liciardello, Brian Reynolds, John Speiser, Michael Spicer, Perry Betts and Lt. Robert Otto.
"Also the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office will no longer accept any narcotics cases for charging when any of these police officers is a necessary witness," the letter states.
City public defender Bradley Bridge says the letter shows something "very substantial" has come to the attention of the DA's office.
Ridge tells FOX 29's Jeff Cole he's heard about these officers and says his clients have mentioned these officers before.
FOX 29 was not able to reach the officers for comment Thursday.
Also on Thursday, FOX 29 obtained a federal lawsuit filed against some of the officers, alleging illegal searches and seizures.
Police say the six officers have been reassigned, but not disciplined or charged.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:08 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:08:39 GMT
An ugly business stained with sex, drugs and violence is exploding on the Internet. It's called sex trafficking, and it happens right here in our area.
An ugly business stained with sex, drugs and violence is exploding on the Internet. It's called sex trafficking, and it happens right here in our area.
Wednesday, May 8 2013 4:26 PM EDT2013-05-08 20:26:44 GMT
You saw it only on FOX, a state representative so desperate to get away from investigative reporter Jeff Cole that he drove into traffic. Now, see what happened after our story aired.
You saw it only on FOX, a state representative so desperate to get away from investigative reporter Jeff Cole that he drove into traffic. Now, see what happened after our story aired.
Tuesday, April 16 2013 1:41 PM EDT2013-04-16 17:41:36 GMT
They go to school for years, with taxpayers helping to foot-the-bill, to become doctors, dentists and chiropractors. But years later, why do they owe Uncle Sam millions of dollars in school loans?
They go to school for years, with taxpayers helping to foot-the-bill, to become doctors, dentists and chiropractors. But years later, why do they owe Uncle Sam millions of dollars in school loans?
Saturday, May 25 2013 9:06 PM EDT2013-05-26 01:06:21 GMT
Jasmine Moore should be getting ready to celebrate her 15th birthday Sunday. Instead she and several relatives are nursing burn wounds they suffered after fire ripped through their Cobbs Creek home.
A critically injured child along with her relatives are recovering at CHOP after an early morning fire. They say if not for a quick thinking family member things could have been a lot worse.
Saturday, May 25 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-25 15:00:47 GMT
A South New Jersey business owner comes face to face with a suspected robber threatening him with a knife. Thanks to his 7-year-old family pet, the crook ran off.
A South New Jersey business owner comes face to face with a suspected robber threatening him with a knife. Thanks to his 7-year-old family pet, the crook ran off.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:08 PM EDT2013-05-24 23:08:04 GMT
Busy planning your cook-out or trip down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Don't forget about the men and women for whom the holiday is observed.
Busy planning your cook-out or trip down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Don't forget about the men and women for whom the holiday is observed. FOX 29's Bruce Gordon spent a day with folks preparing a veterans' cemetery for its day in the spotlight.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:48 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:48:26 GMT
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
WTTG FOX 5 & myfoxdc 5151 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 Main Number: (202) 244-5151 Newsroom: (202) 895-3000 fox5tips@wttg.com
