Philadelphia police partners accused of robbing drug dealers

PHILADELPHIA - June 4, 2013

Joseph Garcia and Sydemy Joanis worked together out of the 17th District.

Garcia was arrested a year ago, but was hit with more charges on Tuesday.

The two are charged with the robbery of drug dealers while on duty, and FBI informants were used to set them up.

"On several occasions, Garcia and Joanis used a confidential source to target their victims by purchasing and planting drug evidence," said U.S. Attorney Zane Memeger.

According to the indictment, the two were taking drugs, like crack cocaine, along with cash from drug dealers. Garcia is also accused of selling heroin.

"I consider this a good day, a great day. Any day we can rid our ranks of a corrupt police officer is a good day," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey.

Garcia has been in federal custody while Joanis was arrested on Tuesday morning. Both are now off the force and their pensions are frozen.

"Do we have rotten cops in our ranks? We certainly do and we're going to root them out," Ramsey said.

Meanwhile, the joint FBI-Philadelphia Police pursuit of crooked cops appears far from over.

"We have others that we're working, actively working," Ramsey said. "And we will conclude those investigations with an individual being brought up on charges."

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