Officers allegedly stole marijuana from undercover officer with intent to distribute.
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania - October 6, 2010 - Two Philadelphia police officers have been charged with criminal conspiracy, robbery, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, theft, and other related charges, according to officials.
Sean Alivera, 31, and Christopher Luciano, 23, allegedly robbed a supposed drug dealer of 20 lbs. of marijuana with a street value of $24,000, as well as $3,000 in cash. It turns out that the man they thought was a drug dealer was actually an undercover officer.
Authorities also believe that the two planned to have the drugs redistributed on the street by an unnamed drug dealer.
“These two men are a disgrace to their badges, but they should not reflect on the hard working men and women in the police department,” said Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams.
At least five Philadelphia officers have been accused or convicted in the past year of trying to rob drug dealers. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey reportedly plans to clean house in the 6,600-member department.
"As far as corrupt cops, if they want to continue to do what they're doing we will find them, we will arrest them and they will be prosecuted, period," said Ramsey. "There is no middle ground here. Absolutely none."