Accused drug squad member takes stand in corruption trial

One of six former drug squad members on trial in a Philadelphia corruption case has taken the stand and denies stealing money from drug dealers.

Ex-officer Michael Spicer disputes the testimony from drug traffickers who say the unit stole more than $400,000 from them during illegal searches.

Spicer is testifying as the month-long trial nears its end. The jury is expected to get the case next week.

Spicer says he never saw a safe in the penthouse apartment where marijuana dealer Robert Kushner says he lost $80,000.

He instead says three narcotics officers played basketball with Kushner while they tried to set up his supplier.

Kushner had told them he was a basketball coach.

Kushner’s testimony last month led him to lose his job at a private suburban academy.