By ideastream's Brian Bull
Criminal charges have been filed in federal court against three former East Cleveland police officers. The trio stand accused of faking evidence, conducting illegal searches, and stealing cash from suspected drug dealers while working as part of the Street Crimes Unit.
According to justice officials, Sergeant Torris Moore and detectives Eric Jones and Antonio Malone conspired to shake down drug dealers for cash. The indictments allege from 2012 to 2014, the three illegally searched homes and vehicles, then fabricated reports to cover their tracks as they divvied up the money.
Steven Anthony of the FBI shared one example at today's press conference.
“In June 2013, these three individuals removed approximately $25,000 before entering a false report saying they had seized approximately $75,000 when they had actually seized over $100,000 that was located at the residence that was suspected of the drug activity.”
Standing beside FBI and other federal officials, East Cleveland’s Chief of Police, Michael Cardilli had little to say.
“It’s absolutely disappointing to us, and that’s really all I’d like to say for now…it’s just a sad day for us,” he said.
The U.S. District Attorney’s office says Moore was taken into custody this morning without incident. She faces five counts of criminal activity.
Jones and Malone have not yet been arrested, but are expected to voluntarily appear in court.
All three defendants resigned from the East Cleveland Police Department in the past year.
The U.S. Attorney’s office wouldn’t say if there were more involved in the scheme, only that the investigation continues.