Philadelphia police officers arrested in 3 separate incidents

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Three Philadelphia police officers have been arrested for their roles in three separate cases for charges that include animal cruelty, perjury and theft, Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams announced Thursday.

"The vast majority of Philadelphia Police Officers are nothing short of good men and women who are dedicated to protecting the citizens of the City of Philadelphia within the law. Unfortunately, there are a few like these three officers, who have decided to break the law," Williams said in a statement.

14th District Officer Roderick Walton, a 23-year veteran, is charged with Cruelty to Animals.

On December 15, 2014, the PSPCA received an anonymous tip about an abused dog. A Humane Society police officer was sent to Walton's home and was led to what police describe as a damp and moldy back basement room where a Cane Corso called "Bear" was located.

Police say the dog was suffering from a broken leg and Walton admitted that the dog was "like that for a week." The dog, who could not put weight on his broken leg, was dirty, musty and smelled of urine and mold.

When asked why the dog was not taken to a veterinarian for treatment, Walton told police that he was too busy.

After "Bear" was examined he was found to be in severe pain and was humanely euthanized because of his condition.

Walton, 50, was hired by the Philadelphia Police Department on August 26, 1991, and was assigned to the 14th Police District on January 3, 2001.

Officer Christopher Hulmes, a 19 year veteran of the department assigned to the Narcotic Strike Force, is charged with Perjury, False Swearing, Unsworn Falsifications to Authorities, False Reports to Law Enforcement Authorities, Tampering with Public Records and Information, and Obstructing Administration of Law or Other Governmental Function.

On the evening of May 7, 2010, police say Officer Hulmes and his partner conducted a narcotics surveillance near H and Thayer Streets resulting in two arrests.

Hulmes prepared the paperwork and affidavit of probable cause for subsequent search warrants. Police say Hulmes testified on two separate occasions and made false statements under oath and on the police paperwork regarding the incident.

Hulmes, 43, was hired by the Philadelphia Police Force in 1996 and assigned to the Narcotics Strike Force in 2000.

25th District officer Christopher Jackson, a 9 year veteran of the department, is charged with Theft and Receiving Stolen Property.

Police say on April 13, 2013, Officer Jackson was transporting a witness to Philadelphia Police Headquarters to be interviewed by the Homicide Unit. At the time, the witness was in possession of his Samsung Galaxy S smartphone.

He was put in the rear of Jackson's police vehicle after Jackson confiscated his cell phone.

After being interviewed by the Homicide Unit, police say Jackson did not return the witness' cell phone or turn it over to detectives.

A phone record search revealed that, 13 days later, Jackson took the phone to his local mobile store and had it changed over to his account and phone number.

Jackson, 31, was hired by the Philadelphia Police Department on February 13, 2006, and was assigned to the 25th Police District.

"Whether it be Animal Cruelty, Perjury, Theft or any other crime, our city deserves better than what Officers Roderick, Hulmes and Jackson have given us," Williams said.

Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey has suspended Hulmes and Jackson for thirty days with the intent to dismiss.

Officer Walton resigned on Wednesday.