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| Michael Spicer [left] with Brian Reynolds and Perry Betts |
for Bigtrial.net
An arbitrator ruled today that all six defendants in the alleged "rogue cops" case are getting their jobs back.
"They are back on the payroll right now," James J. Binns, the lawyer who represented Officer Michael Spicer, said of the six defendants. "They're being paid as of today."
The former narcotics officers will also be receiving a year's worth of back pay.
"Obviously it's been recognized that these men never did anything wrong and they've been totally vindicated of all the charges that have been leveled against them," Binns said. "Mike [Spicer]'s on cloud nine."
The six members of the narcotics field unit were charged in a 26-count federal indictment with allegedly using their positions to run a criminal enterprise. The rogue cops, the feds said, robbed and beat the drug dealers they arrested out of at least $500,000 worth of cash and drugs. The feds also accused the cops of falsifying police reports to cover their tracks.
It was a case filled with over-the-top charges. And not much to back it up except the uncorroborated allegations of a bunch of drug dealers.
The rogue cops, the feds said, had allegedly dangled a couple of drug dealers by their feet off of high balconies. They had allegedly used sledgehammers to blast open drug dealers' front doors. They supposedly beat one drug dealer with a steel bar in the back of the head and kicked in his teeth. They had allegedly kidnapped another drug dealer and held him hostage. They had allegedly stole Rolex watches, iPods, and a Calvin Klein suit.
At a press conference the day of the arrests, Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey declared, "I have been a police officer for more than 40 years and this is one of the worst cases of corruption that I have ever heard."
Ramsey vowed to melt down the officers' badges.
Then, the case went to trial for nearly six weeks and a jury heard all the evidence or lack thereof. On May 14, the jury unanimously acquitted Officers Thomas Liciardello, Brian Reynolds, Michael Spicer, Perry Betts, Linwood Norman and John Speiser of all 47 charges. It was a complete repudiation of the government's racketeering case.
"They had all the transcripts from the trial, they had all the exhibits," Binns said of the FOP lawyers. "They were prepared to go to trial immediately."
"It's been almost a year since they were arrested and indicted," Binns said of the defendants.
On July 30, 2014, the FBI raided the officers' homes at 5 a.m., with guns drawn, and placed them under arrest.
In the past year, the six cops have been "indicted, arrested, set free on bail, tried, acquitted vindicated, and got their jobs back," Binns said. "Obviously the system works."
The officers were represented by FOP President John McNesby, who showed up at trial to support the narcs, as well as FOP labor lawyer Thomas Jennings.
In spite of Ramsey's stated intentions to melt the officers' badges, Mark McDonald, a spokesman for Mayor Nutter, told The Philadelphia Inquirer that the officers would be getting their original badges back.
McDonald also told the Inquirer, a Johnny-come-lately on the story, that the officers would not be returning to the narcotics unit, but would instead be reassigned to various police districts and the impound lot.
Binns called this case from the beginning.
In an Aug. 12, 2014 bail hearing, Binns told Judge Eduardo Robreno, "We believe that we will prevail on every one of the charges. He [Spicer] will leave your courtroom not guilty of one single crime."
Maybe when the cops go back to work Commissioner Ramsey will finally get around to apologizing.
Next thing that should happen is for Ramsey to be fired.
ReplyDeleteSeth Williams should be held accountable for having the cops moved out of narcotics.
Can't tell me he was not behind all of this from the beginning.
Ralph please. You lose all credibility with your last paragraph.
ReplyDeleteListen these cops were dirty, just like 1/3 our force. They just coverd their tracks well. They knew how to double bk...lol. come on, these cops nowadays play as dirty as the guys they collar... get a clue. They only walked because no-one believes convicts, n they were good at destroying all incriminating evidence. Philly cops, beat ppl. Lie, cheat, and steal. To those that uphold the law, im sorry they give yous a bad rap. The krooked cops deserve to be tortured. ..
DeleteBefore I lost all credibility the government's case lost all credibility. So did the commissioner [and the mayor] by playing politics and backing the wrong horse.
ReplyDeleteAMEN!!!!! Justice was served again today.
DeleteJury rejected the evidence. It happens. Binns was close to being correct when he said the system works. More like they got the benefit of the system. Everybody was playing the game. Don't try to make it more than that.
Delete@ Ralph Cipriano you are a fool. These cops are guilty as hell and your bias exudes from every paragraph you write. This is what is wrong with the City of Philadelphia and why the city will never be cleaned up. The prosecution lost, but these cops are by no means not guilty, they just got away with it. Ask yourself Mr. Cipriano would you want your child to be stopped by these guys in prior to this trial. If they were maybe you would sing a different tune. Reality shaped my opinion nothing else.
DeleteJust goes to show that ramsey, Williams & nutter are all douche bag losers & care nothing at all about the men & women who put their lives on the line for this city, let alone the citizens of this city! If there was any karma at all they'd all be fired, lose their pensions & ramsey's badge would be melted down by all the Officers he's defamed!
ReplyDeleteKathleen Kane should investigate the DAs office And the Philadelphia Police Departments for Corruption
ReplyDeleteThat'll work well! She can't investigate her way out of a wet paper bag. That woman is a disgrace and a clown.
DeleteAmen to that.... they got off free, god dont like ugly...
DeleteThose cops are all crumbs and pieces of shit! They did everything that they were accused of doing! System failed again! They should be behind bars those lowlifes! And everyone of you who said "amen" or "justice was served" , you are all weirdo losers who obviously know nothing about this case and the truth!! You're all pathetic losers ! You all make me sick
ReplyDeleteEd McCann is this you again?
DeleteWAAAAAAAA! RAMSEY Stop whining!!!!
DeleteYou are right on target with your comments Ralph. And in our passing conversation you were told that there is much much more to this story and that story WILL be told someday soon. Many in high level positions do fear and should fear what will become public as they know their roles in this whole disgusting, unjustified and vindictive persecution of these officers and others who were wrongly targeted by them will come to light. You and many others will be relied upon to finally get this truth out when the time comes and let the entire public know what their City Leaders, Government Officials and Elected Officials have not only done to these men, but also by their actions have put the safety of the citizens of this entire city in great jeopardy. For those who investigated and prosecuted this case, you all also knew the truth and chose to ignore it and blindly follow orders from those above you to protect your positions. This does not excuse you, but makes you even more criminal responsible for your actions as you know that you have sworn an oath as an agent of the Justice System to always legally do the right thing. You did not fail in this responsibility, you intentionally ignored that oath. It is hoped that some day, the Federal Prosecutors, the FBI Agents assigned to this case and the Philadelphia Police Sergeant assigned to this case are held accountable for their intentional criminal conduct and that they and their families suffer the anguish that these officers and their families suffered. What you have all done and failed to do as TRUE sworn law enforcement officers in this case is an indication of your lack of a moral compass, your failings as true law enforcement officers and your failings as decent human beings. You, the prosecutors, agents and sergeant are a disgrace to yourselves, the law enforcement community and your families. Some day, in this life or the next, you will have to answer for what you have done and you won't have the protection of a misguided Federal Government to protect you from your lies.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait.
DeleteI have a suggestion, Ralph write the book, then contact Alexandra Preate, she is the book publicist for Sidney Powells " Licensed to Lie", she is also the daughter of Ernie Preate. She gets it.
DeleteAlexandra Preate CEO
Capital HG
340 Madison Ave
19th Floor
New York, N.Y. 10173
212-588-9148
That is a great book.
DeleteAbsolutely right on. Karma is a bitch
ReplyDeleteThe men must get their legal fees back too. Money wasted on the government's part. Sever psychological damage done to all family
ReplyDeleteMembers involved.
The men must get their legal fees back too. Money wasted on the government's part. Sever psychological damage done to all family
ReplyDeleteMembers involved.
Sure...as soon as they reimburse the city for the legal settlements paid BC of their dirt. Deal?
DeleteThat was the city's stupid fault. The city is the only ones at fault for settling with drug dealers. The intelligent thing to do would have been to wait to see the outcome of a Federal indictment....seems like the city has some dirty dealings going on to me.
DeleteNo it doesn't work like that! They were indicted on charges and it's their responsibility to hire and pay a lawyer out of their own pocket. They're no different than anyone else who is on trial. They shouldn't get a penny back for anything! Also, the system failed again because these low-life narcs are NOT-GUILTY. They are criminals and did get away with the crimes they were charged for! Ramsey knew the truth and that's why he said what he said! He's absolutely 100% correct! You all know nothing when it comes to being a police commissioner, but you jerkoffs still insist that Ramsey is the problem! LOSERS!
ReplyDeleteCan someone please explain to me how the jury was at an impasse on Tuesday. Only to be told by the judge work through it. Or work the weekend. And come back Thursday with a not guilty. And then refuse to tell anyone why. Don't sound like a fair verdict was reached. I just think they had enough. And didn't care to take jury duty serious
DeleteHahahahaha....this comment is so funny. They sat there for 7 weeks. You think on day 49 they just decided they had enough and found them NOT GUILTY on all 47 charges?? Actually, I know you don't believe that...you're just trying desperately to make up an assanine theory.
DeleteSounds like Kushner is still crying the blues. Get over it, loser. No one believed your bullshit.
ReplyDeletenooooooooooooooooo these scums are back patrolling plainting stuff on people....more then 75% of cops are dirty
ReplyDeleteJust curious? Where did you get that figure of 75%? Is you're ass that big?
DeleteTo all you POS who are trashing the police just remember they aren't killing my family on my street. You have to live in your neighborhood because you have not taken it upon youself to get educated therefore have taken to the streets to sell drugs. Unfortunately you believe it is the police that are wrong not youself. Yes you may have a hand full of officers who treat people wrong but to say 75% this just goes to show your lack of education. The administration starting with the commissioners are nothing more than puppets who will do anything their told to do regardless of who it may hurt. In this case the system worked. In other cases maybe not.
ReplyDeleteDoes any of you realize that Philadelphia judges are throwing out felony case after felony case in which people were convicted based on the testimony of these officers? Because the officers violating civil rights and lied under oath?
ReplyDeleteDoes any of you think that a Philadelphia jury would have returned a not guilty, as opposed to this federal jury, comprised of white suburbanites from the surrounding counties?
Should all the Philadelphia judges who are reversing convictions be fired too? Is everyone here incompetent, lying, or both with the sole exception of the officers and their legal defense dream team paid for by the FOP?
Some fantastically simple-minded comments here, in response to a pro-cop-at-all-costs op-ed piece, thinly disguised as journalism.
Do you realize that the government, with every advantage and the press carrying their water for more than a year, got blown out in a RICO indictment case 47-0? When was the last time that happened? Do you realize how badly the government bungled this case? And that it's a bigger travesty if any of the witnesses were telling the truth?
DeleteIts almost impossible to convince the average American that the attorneys working for the US government could possibly get anything wrong ,withholding evidence or at the very least distorting the facts. Unless you have experienced the wrath of the criminal masterminds at the federal building you really should not comment. You are getting your information from the Inquirer and Daily News that get their information directly from the federal prosecutors. How does this not make sense to you, its a simple concept, one side of a case is presented to the public, as an irrefutable truth. These are men and women hired by the judicial system, they are given unlimited power and are not held accountable for their actions. They are not gods. Imagine saying and doing anything you wanted and not getting reprimanded whatsoever. The judicial system is living on its old Hollywood reputation of honesty and integrity.
DeleteI believed in my government right or wrong, now I know better, having witnessed the lies and the lying liars that tell them, I will never believe, what a federal prosecutor has to say or that of an F.B.LIE agent. Everyone that is still getting their info from the media is misinformed. Americans just don't want to believe that the judicial department is a corrupt system, we believe what is fed to us never questioning their authority over us. We are taught to do our civic duty and convict who the government says is guilty. We never question the facts, we buy what is being sold to us.
I am very disappointed with journalist that don't get it, one side of a investigation by the feds is printed and its proclaimed as truth. How does that make sense ? How is this helping the American public ? How is this helping the innocently accused ? Reform needs to start at the top, with the prosecutors and agents, and newspapers. Stop printing inaccuracies, if censorship is practiced it needs to be exposed.
Where is the IINKY's apology, where is the article reprimanding the feds for this outrage, where are the facts of the case for the public to review, other than the transcripts of the case.
The media has to help bring order to the country, printing lies is dangerous and is responsible for the civil unrest that has gripped our country. Owning up the condemnation of the accused, disgracing human beings and taking away their life time of accomplishments is a crime that has been committed over and over again by the media. Let the feds bring their cases in court, don't help them fight it in your newspapers, Nothing takes away a persons self esteem like being accused of a crime by your own government then having the media and public officials weigh in on the "alleged crime".
How many more Americans need to be stripped of their dignity, we have prisons full of people that will never forget the injustices done to them, we are damaging the very fabric of our country. "Shamming "is a new catch word making the rounds, its been perfected by the media and government authorities. Our country needs compassion, we need forgiveness and it has to start with the media, ruining a life and not apologizing for the action is making monsters of all of us. When did it become acceptable to lie and demean one another, when the government showed us it was an acceptable practice ? The comments on this space are just an indication of the hatred we have for one another , instituted by the federal government . Prosecutors and the media pitting one American against the other for sport is a barbaric practice that has to be stopped.
The judges are reversing the cases because the districh attorneys office told them to. These officers testimony is not being used...not because they violated anyone civil rights or because they ever lied under oath. The district attorneys office deemed them as not credible without ever giving a reason for their decision. Your post is one of the most simplistic minded comment because you have no clue whatsoever of the actual events surrounding this ongoing saga. Stay tuned...
DeleteThe truth here is that the "narcs" knew that these indictments were coming down on them a lil over a year before they actually got indicted. They had a lot of time to cover-up all of their dirty schemes and crimes that they committed. Not saying that 100% of what those pathetic rats that took the stand said was true, but most of it was. Fat lil Tommy and crew threatened, robbed, and assaulted the weakest "dealers" that they came in contact with. They def picked their spots! This case was a disaster,l!! It makes me sick to know that fat Tommy and his crumb crew are getting their jobs back. They should rot!
ReplyDeleteThey are lucky. Those things happened and that is reality. No court or jury can make a man innocent or guilty...they are just findings.
ReplyDeleteDoes it make any difference to anyone that this was the same big nose prosecutor that also got his butt kicked during the Traffic Court trial ? Detect a pattern here ?
DeleteYes...that you are a dope.Guilty as charged.
DeleteToo bad you missed the verdicts in both, INNOCENT.
DeleteI am not surprised that they got their jobs back, but why are all but one of them going to a district, where their suspect credibility may undermine all cases they are involved in
ReplyDeleteThey have no credibility issues, the cases were tossed by the District attorney long before they were even indicted. Seth Williams has not answered why he dropped the prosecution of those cases to date.
Delete