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.
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, May 7 2013 10:21 AM EDT2013-05-07 14:21:17 GMT
The man behind the wheel of that car is a state representative. So, why is he darting into traffic, ducking our questions? Watch this exclusive report by FOX 29 Investigates' Jeff Cole.
The man behind the wheel of that car is a state representative. So, why is he darting into traffic, ducking our questions? Watch this exclusive report by FOX 29 Investigates' Jeff Cole.
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?
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:23 GMT
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries here and make their getaway.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:08 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:08:49 GMT
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.If you were lucky enough to get outside Friday, to a place like the Perkiomen
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:01 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:01:38 GMT
Police are investigating a bizarre confrontation at a local elementary school. The alleged combatants were a grown woman and an 11-year-old girl. Some of the details are still a little twisted, reports
Police are investigating a bizarre confrontation at a local elementary school. The alleged combatants were a grown woman and an 11-year-old girl.
