Veteran Phila. Police Narcotics Officer Caught In FBI Sting, Charged With Ripoff
By Tony Hanson, Walt Hunter
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A narcotics officer and 23-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department is in custody today, charged with making a false arrest and robbing the target.
Federal authorities allege that officer Jeffrey Walker planted drugs in the target's car, then led an arrest of the individual, stole a house key, and then went to the target's home with a cooperating witness and stole approximately $15,000.
He was arrested leaving the house, and an FBI agent says in a criminal complaint that Walker has confessed.
John McNesby, president of the union representing Philadelphia police, says he's been told that Walker was caught pretty much red-handed, and it brings a cloud over all officers.
"These guys and girls out there are doing a good job and continue to do it under hard times, but stuff like this really sets us back. But we get back up and continue to do the job every day, and it's unfortunate that we have people like this on the job," McNesby told KYW Newsradio today.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey has suspended Walker for thirty days with the intent to dismiss.
