1 Drug Case Dropped In Wake Of Transferred Philly Officers - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

1 Drug Case Dropped In Wake Of Transferred Philly Narcotics Officers

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The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office has dropped at least one drug case in court, but sources believe hundreds could follow in the wake of a letter sent to Philadelphia Police, FOX 29's Jeff Cole reports.

The letter, sent to Commissioner Charles Ramsey, was obtained by FOX 29 on Wednesday.

The letter is blunt and states that the DA's office will no longer be using six officers as witnesses in narcotics cases.

"I am writing to inform you that in an exercise of prosecutorial discretion, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office will no longer be using the following officers as witnesses in narcotics cases," the letter reads.

The letter lists officers Thomas Liciardello, Brian Reynolds, John Speiser, Michael Spicer, Perry Betts and Lt. Robert Otto.

"Also the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office will no longer accept any narcotics cases for charging when any of these police officers is a necessary witness," the letter states.

City public defender Bradley Bridge says the letter shows something "very substantial" has come to the attention of the DA's office.

Ridge tells FOX 29's Jeff Cole he's heard about these officers and says his clients have mentioned these officers before.

FOX 29 was not able to reach the officers for comment Thursday.

Also on Thursday, FOX 29 obtained a federal lawsuit filed against some of the officers, alleging illegal searches and seizures.

Police say the six officers have been reassigned, but not disciplined or charged.

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