The FBI is now investigating six former Philadelphia narcotics officers, according to police. In December, Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams wrote a letter to Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey stating that the testimony of the six officers would no longer be accepted. So far 270 of their drugs cases have been thrown out of court.
“We made the FBI task force, which is made up of FBI and Philadelphia Police, aware of what’s going on,” said Commissioner Ramsey. “That is continuing at this time. We’ve taken them from narcotics pending the outcome of the investigation.”
Just what that investigation is remains a mystery as officials have not explained the reason for the dismissal. No charges have been filed against the six officers. While they no longer work in narcotics, they remain on the force.
“What I don’t know, are the facts that led Seth Williams to form a decision that those officers were liars and that they were not going to stand behind them in any court and to dismiss 270 plus cases,” said public defender Brad Bridge.
Bridge believes hundreds of people are unjustly behind bars due to the six narcotics officers. The Fraternal Order of Police has defended the officers, saying they were doing their job.
With all of the allegations against the officers and cases being thrown out, some are questioning why they’re still on the force.
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“It’s just an allegation right now,” said Commissioner Ramsey. “We need proof before we’re able to take that step. If that step is needed, we’ll take it.”