Two former Philly cops facing federal corruption charges

Two former Philadelphia police officers are facing charges of robbing drug dealers of money and drugs — while on active duty. The indictments are just part of the continuing corruption investigation of Philadelphia’s police.

U.S. Attorney Zane Memeger said Tuesday that Jonathan Garcia and Sydemy Joanis pocketed drugs and money from suspected drug dealers.

“Between December 2009 and June 19, 2012, Garcia and Joanis conspired to rob suspected drug dealers of their drug-trafficking proceeds,” Memeger said. “Garcia and Joanis engaged in this scheme while on active duty, using their patrol car, their loaded service pistols and handcuffs.”

Memeger says the FBI ran a sting a year ago that led to the charges.

“Garcia and Joanis stopped that car and recovered 99 pills and $2,500. Joanis then prepared a false police report, while Garcia prepared a property receipt saying only 90 pills and $470 has been recovered,” he said.

Both officers have left the force.

Investigation continues

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey says more police officers will be facing criminal charges due to the corruption investigation.

“Because we have others that we are working, actively working, and we will conclude those investigations with individuals being brought up on charges whether it’s criminal charges or administrative charges, whether it’s federal or local,” Ramsey said. “We’re just not going to stop.”

More than 15 police officers have been convicted of corruption since Memeger took office in 2010.

“It’s disappointing because it paints the entire department with a broad brush,” Ramsey said. “The vast majority of our officers work hard every day, do a job, do it honestly — and they deserve better than to have people like this in the ranks.”