Former Philadelphia Cop Gets 3½ Years For Stealing, Dealing Drugs

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A corrupt former Philadelphia police officer has been sentenced to federal prison, but he got a big break for cooperating with the authorities in the prosecution of his partners in crime (see related story).

Defendant James Venziale, a onetime Philly cop who admitted conspiring with other corrupt officers to steal and deal drugs, was sentenced today to 3½ years in prison -- well below recommended sentencing guidelines of about eight to ten years in prison.

Judge Harvey Bartle III gave Venziale credit for his cooperation, but said these were serious crimes nevertheless.

"You are supposed to be following the principals of integrity, honor, and service, the logo on every police vehicle in the City of Philadelphia, the logo on your badge that you wear on your uniform," Judge Bartle told Venziale, "but as far as you were concerned there was no integrity, no honor, and no real service to the people of Philadelphia."

Two other former cops convicted in the case are still awaiting sentencing.

Reported by Tony Hanson, KYW Newsradio 1060