US judge to review bail granted to Philly officers

A federal judge will reconsider the bail granted to four Philadelphia police officers charged in a violent robbery scheme.

Prosecutors are appealing lower-court rulings this week to grant house arrest to four of the six narcotics squad officers charged.

The indictment accuses them of kidnapping and beating drug suspects as they stole more than $500,000 in cash and three kilograms of cocaine over several years.

The veteran officers have been in custody since their arrests last week. Accused ringleader Thomas Liciardello and a second defendant are being held without bail.

U.S. District Judge Eduardo Robreno will hear the government’s appeal of the bail rulings on Thursday.

Defense lawyers say the case is built on the tainted testimony of drug dealers and a convicted ex-colleague from the drug squad.