Ex-cop sentenced for robbing drug dealers

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A former Philadelphia police officer who pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges and also accused other officers of misconduct is scheduled was sentenced Wednesday for his role in the crimes.

47-year-old Jeffrey Walker was sentenced to 42 months in prison for planning to rob a drug dealer while on official duty.

He pleaded guilty in February 2014 to attempted robbery which interferes with interstate commerce and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

In addition to the prison time, U.S. District Court Judge Eduardo Robreno ordered three years of supervised release, a $5,000 fine, and a $200 special assessment.

Former veteran officer Walker, who was caught in an FBI sting, said he routinely stole money and valuables during illegal drug raids, which he said was standard procedure in his undercover unit.

He alleged in testimony in the federal trial of six other officers that the defendants planted evidence, roughed people up, and lied to win convictions. Defense attorneys attacked his credibility and that of admitted or suspected drug dealers called as witnesses, and a federal jury acquitted all six defendants.

Scores of drug convictions were overturned following Walker's plea and the indictment against the other officers, and scores of civil-rights lawsuits are pending.