Corrupt Philadelphia Cop Testifies Against Ex-Partner
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Corruption in the Philadelphia Police Department is laid bare, as an admittedly corrupt former officer takes the witness stand to testify against his former partner. Former officer James Venziale is now cooperating with the government.
Testimony ended yesterday and closing arguments are scheduled for today.
Venziale testified they were thieves in uniform. During questioning by prosecutor Anthony Wzorek, Venziale described how he and partner Mark Williams, in their patrol car, met with a bagman named "Matt" to collect their share of what they believed to be stolen drug proceeds.
According to Venziale, Williams actually made the pick up.
(Wzorek:) "Did you get out of the car?"
(Venziale:) "I did not."
(Wzorek:) "Who did?"
(Venziale:) "Mr. Williams did."
(Wzorek:) "What did you see happen?"
(Venziale:) "He spoke to Matt briefly and got back into the patrol car with a bag of money."
Venziale says they split $6,000 in cash. But "Matt" was an undercover DEA agent and this was a sting.
Williams has pleaded not guilty.
Reported by Tony Hanson, KYW Newsradio
