Monday Hearing Set For Six Arrested Phila. Cops To Plead For Bail Release
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Federal prosecutors have now formally filed detention motions for six Philadelphia narcotics officers indicted earlier this week on corruption charges.
A bail hearing is set for Monday for the officers, charged with using force and threats to rob, kidnap, and abuse drug dealers and others.
The prosecution says the defendants are flight risks and a danger to the community. The detention motions essentially incorporate the allegations in the indictment, but also cite what's called "perhaps the most egregious example of actions" by lead defendant Thomas Liciardello, who allegedly pistol-whipped a helpless victim so he could score points in a bizarre contest with other officers to physically abuse victims.
The victim had to go to the hospital and has a permanent scar on his forehead.
Authorities say Liciardello wrote in a police report that the suspect had raised his hand to the officer and Liciardello struck him, causing the suspect to fall, hitting a cinderblock wall.
Liciardello has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.