A federal judge will reconsider the bail granted to four Philadelphia police officers charged in a violent robbery scheme.
Prosecutors are appealing lower-court rulings this week to grant house arrest to four of the six narcotics squad officers charged. Linwood Norman, 46; Perry Betts, 46; Brian Reynolds, 43; and John Speiser, 42: were granted bail while accused ringleader Thomas Liciardello, 38; and Michael Spicer, 46; remained in custody.
The indictment accuses them of kidnapping and beating drug suspects as they stole more than $500,000 in cash and three kilograms of cocaine over several years.
U.S. District Judge Eduardo Robreno will hear the government's appeal of the bail rulings on Thursday.
Defense lawyers say the case is built on the tainted testimony of drug dealers and a convicted ex-colleague from the drug squad.
