16 men accused in violent robbery ring in Philly, Pa.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The U.S. Attorney in Philadelphia has announced indictments against 16 people in connection with a sophisticated crime operation that allegedly included robbery and torture.

They're accused of stealing jewelry, cars, electronics and drugs from their victims in years-long crime spree that stretched from Philadelphia to Hatfield to Ambler.

On July 15th, 2013, two men posing as police waved around semiautomatic guns inside Platinum Jewelers at 12th and Market streets.

Federal prosecutors say one of these men was Khalil Smith - the other was one of many accomplices in a violent robbery ring operating from 2012 until last month around the region.

"The defendants were bold and resourceful in committing these crimes," said Louis Lappen, 1st Assistant U.S. Attorney.

At the jewelry store, prosecutors say the other members of the ring posed as customers and others stood watch, monitoring police radios.

They left with nothing once the real police were on the way.

A 17 count indictment alleges that the 16 men used violent tactics in home invasions targeting victims they thought had drugs or money from drugs.

"The torture included waterboarding, beating, threatened sexual assault, scalding with boiling water and being shot," said Kelly D. Brady, ATF.

Federal prosecutors say a house on Leas Way in Hatfield was targeted by the ring in November 2013.

They allegedly placed GPS devices on the victim's cars so they knew where he lived.

"They forced the victim inside his house, they threatened him and assaulted him, stole electronics, cash, and in this case - even the victims' BMW," said Lappen.

Two of the defendants are already accused of robbing and shooting a pharmacy delivery man in North Philadelphia in July 2014.

Out of the 16 defendants, 12 are in custody.

The ATF needs the public's help finding Hasan Chaney and Brandon Segers so they can join their friends' now in federal custody.

"Their criminal activity has hit a wall - the wall of justice," said Brady.

Some of the 16 defendants were arrested Thursday while some were already behind bars for other crimes. If convicted, they all face very, very long sentences - up to life in prison.