January 6, 10

NEWS / Former Philadelphia Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun Charg

PHILADELPHIA—Alhinde Weems, 34, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty today to drug and firearm charges, announced United States Attorney Michael L. Levy. Between December 2008 and January 2009, Weems intentionally distributed crack cocaine two times and attempted to distribute a kilogram of cocaine. In March 2009, Weems conspired to rob another drug dealer and planned to use several firearms to commit this robbery, including his Philadelphia Police Department service weapon. Weems planned to used his authority as a police officer to commit the robbery by "badging" his way in and/or dressing like an officer and/or detective. He was arrested with his service weapon on the way to committing the robbery. Four different firearms were recovered from his house, along with ammunition and a homemade silencer. Weems pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of crack, one count each of attempt to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, attempt to commit a hobbs act robbery, and use of a firearm in the course of a violent crime.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 3, 2010. The defendant faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in prison with a maximum possible sentence of a life.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carrillo.

http://philadelphia.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel10/ph010510.htm