Two former police officers sentenced in drug case

Three former police officers from the 39th and 25th districts are being sentenced this month as part of a band of conspirators in an illegal drug scheme from last July.

Robert Snyder, 31, formerly of the 25th Police District, was sentenced on Tuesday to 157 months in prison for drug conspiracy and possession with intent to sell at least 100 grams of heroin within 1,000 feet of a school.

James Venziale, 33, formerly of the 39th District, was sentenced on Monday to 42 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy.

The two were charged in connection with a plan to steal approximately 300 grams of heroin from a drug supplier by having Venziale and another former 39th District police officer, Mark Williams, conduct what appeared to be a legitimate traffic stop. The officers used this as a way to take the drugs and resell them for cash.

Snyder pleaded guilty on Feb. 7 to seven counts of conspiracy and drug possession charges.

Williams, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26.

Requests for comment to Lt. Evers at the Philadelphia Police Department and Captain Stephen Glenn in the 39th District were not returned.