Three Philadelphia police officers and one parole officer are under arrest for robbery.
Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson said the arrests are “an absolute disgrace. Once the officer crosses that line, they go from being an officer to being a criminal.”
Investigators said the robbery took place in the Feltonville section of the city about one year ago.
Jose Morales has been on the force 6.5 years. Victor Ortiz has put in 3.5 years. William Dunn has been on the job for seven years
Investigators said the officers were working the burglary detail in the 22nd District last year when they pulled over two men who were driving a Ford Explorer. Investigators said the officers patted them down and that was when the officers found $10,000.
“They’d never been arrested for drugs, they’re not criminals, they were victims,” Johnson said.
Internal affairs investigators said Dunn called his cousin, parole officer Sherman Washington (pictured, right), to get into the action. Police said the officers then pulled their own heist, handing back only part of the money and keeping $3,500 for themselves.
“You go out there and make these criminal acts -- it is disgraceful,” Johnson said.
All four men have been charged with robbery, conspiracy and theft. One of them had already been on a 30-day suspension with intent to dismiss.
They will also be facing a criminal trial, as well.