A Philadelphia police officer is facing federal charges after allegedly provided sensitive law enforcement information about drug investigations to his half-brother, authorities said.
Rafael Cordero, 51, a 23-year veteran of the police force, is charged with three counts of obstructing justice and four counts of false statements to law enforcement, according to an indictment that was unsealed Wednesday.
Cordero's half-brother, David Garcia, is an alleged member of the Serrano/Medina Drug Trafficking Organizations, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pa.
According to the indictment, Cordero gave information to his Garcia about a surveillance camera put up by the DEA to monitor activities occurring at a garage, located at 538 East Indiana Street in Philadelphia, and allegedly used by the drug organization.
Authorities also allege in the indictment alleges that when the FBI and DEA executed search warrants at several locations associated with the Serrano/Medina group, Cordero – after being informed about the searches by his half-brother – went to the garage and began looking in the windows.
When confronted by law enforcement and brought inside the location, Cordero "misrepresented his reason for being at the location and offered to assist with the search," at no time providing his name to law enforcement, prosecutors allege.
Prosecutors also say Cordero then called his half-brother, helped hide evidence and more, then lied about his role to investigators.
When Garcia was arrested one year ago, Cordero allegedly had another brother take possession of money that was the proceeds of illegal drug sales.
Cordero will make his first court appearance Wednesday afternoon.
If convicted of all charges, Cordero faces a maximum possible sentence of 35 years imprisonment, prosecutors said.
Thursday, June 20 2013 8:23 AM EDT2013-06-20 12:23:37 GMT
The news of James Gandolfini's death shocked fans and fellow actors. Many are questioning if he had been suffering from health problems that lead to his fatal heart attack. Dr. Mike talked to Mike Jerrick
Dr. Mike talked to Mike Jerrick and Sheinelle Jones about his death, the warning signs of a heart attack, and gave an update on Sarah Murnaghan on "Good Day Philadelphia" Thursday.
Thursday, June 20 2013 8:22 AM EDT2013-06-20 12:22:09 GMT
In the next few days, the Supreme Court is expected to rule on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. This law would prevent the federal government from giving same-sex couples the same
In the next few days, the Supreme Court is expected to rule on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. This law would prevent the federal government from giving same-sex couples the same
Thursday, June 20 2013 5:46 AM EDT2013-06-20 09:46:20 GMT
Another spectacular weather day with mostly sunny skies and low humidity. Temperatures top off in the lower 80s. About ten degrees cooler at the shore, with a sea breeze.
The stickies will come back just in time for summer.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:14 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:14:32 GMT
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:19 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:19:58 GMT
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
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