Lead Narc Officer Denied Bail in Racketeering Case

A Philadelphia police officer accused of leading a ring of rogue narcotics officers that robbed drug suspects has been denied bail.

Thomas Liciardello (lik-er-DEL'-oh) is accused of dangling one suspect over an 18th-floor balcony to get the name of a drug supplier, and violently beating others.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that U.S. District Judge Eduardo Robreno denied Liciardello's bail request on Wednesday, one day after a hearing on the matter.

Prosecutors told the judge Liciardello is responsible for 15 gunpoint robberies, and fear he would intimidate witnesses if released. A defense attorney said his 38-year-old client is a decorated officer and devoted father.

Robreno previously approved bail for five co-defendants.

All six defendants say they are innocent.