Thursday, April 16, 2015

A Gun And A Bottle Of Tequila

By Ralph Cipriano
for Bigtrial.net

Police Officer Jeffrey Walker had parked his car in his garage and left the engine running. He'd brought along a gun and a bottle of tequila.

Despondent over his failed marriage, Walker hadn't figured out yet whether he wanted to end it with carbon monoxide or a gunshot. In the meantime, he had his tequila.

Asked if he was going to commit suicide that day back in 2002, the 46-year-old Walker replied, "I was going down that road."

Then, Walker said, his girlfriend showed up and talked him into going to the emergency room at Lankenau Hopsital. On medical records displayed in the courtroom, Walker's "chief complaint" was listed as "suicidal, depressed." His diagnosis: depression.

Walker was taken by ambulance to the psychiatric ward at Bryn Mawr Hospital, the medical records showed. It would have been just another chapter in the life of the government's star witness at the rogue cops trial, a star witness one defense lawyer has aptly described as a train wreck. Except that Walker had made a big deal out of telling the jury that when he became a government witness he finally stopped lying.

The hitch was, the day he signed his cooperation agreement with the government, the judge had asked Walker if he'd ever been hospitalized or treated for mental illness. Walker's answer was no. To defense lawyer Jeffrey Miller, this was proof that Walker was still lying.

"I walked away the treatment they suggested" at Bryn Mawr, Walker explained on the witness stand. "I wasn't treated."

So that's why Walker said no when the judge asked if he'd ever been hospitalized or treated for mental illness.

Five defense lawyers spent most of the day quizzing Walker. The subjects of discussion included all the incriminating details Walker gave the government in 45 sessions with the FBI about his escapades over the years with six fellow narcotics officers. All six are charged in a RICO conspiracy to beat and rob drug dealers and cover their tracks with falsified police records.

The day started with Jack McMahon asking Walker about a February 2011 drug bust in a drug dealer's apartment where Walker bolted from the scene because he supposedly had to go to the bathroom.

McMahon seemed to be operating under the theory that Walker was lying again and up to no good when he split. There is also the unsolved mystery of how some $7,000 disappeared from the drug dealer's apartment and whether Walker, an admitted liar and thief, had anything to do with it.

McMahon asked Walker why he didn't just use a bathroom in the drug dealer's apartment.

"I'm not going in someone else's bathroom if I had to sit down," Walker explained. "My stomach was hurting. I had to go home and get some medicine. I didn't have any money."

So Walker said he drove to the 15th District, used the bathroom. And then he drove to his house where he chugged some Milk of Magnesia.

His supervisor, St. Joe McCloskey, Walker said, called him up and asked, "Where you at?"

To McMahon, Walker's story made no sense and was more proof that Walker's fellow officers and supervisors couldn't depend on him.

Another courtroom exhibit display today showed that between July 2008 and July 2011, Walker had made 489 calls to "Ivy the drug dealer."

Expect to hear more about that as the case continues.

On the witness stand today for his second day of cross-examination, Walker was much more assertive. "I'm not done yet," he barked at McMahon several times when the defense lawyer tried to cut him off.

Walker also gave many long answers that prompted a couple of defense attorneys to object.

"I don't want to interrupt your speech," McMahon said at one point during one rambling answer.

Other courtroom exhibits today included more text messages between Walker and Officer Thomas Liciardello, the former cop that the feds say was the ringleader of the rogue narcs.

"Sir Rat A Lot" and "Sir Snitch A Lot" were some of the more creative names that Liciardello called Walker in his texts.

"Get your eyes checked and stop falling asleep on surveillance," Liciardello also texted Walker.

"I see all and know all remember," Walker responded to Liciardello. "You be little me every day."

On the witness stand, Walker tried to tell McMahon that he wasn't into money any more.

"Peace of mind right now is more important to me than anything," Walker said.

Jeffrey Miller, representing Liciardello, asked Walker if the object of his cooperation agreement with the government was to get a light sentence.

"I'm hoping for mercy from the judge," Walker responded. He defined mercy as the judge "giving me something I don't deserve."

"I deserve a life sentence," Walker testified. "I'm hoping I do not get one."

Miller asked about Walker's venting to one of his superior officers, Lt. Robert Otto, when Otto was trying to mitigate the feud between Walker and Liciardello.

"I hated him [Liciardello] for what he was doing to me," Walker said. "I told him [Otto] I hated Tommy."

Did you ever tell the lieutenant that some day you would show Liciardello just how much you hated him, Miller asked.

"No, I didn't," Walker said.

Miller went over the details of the day Walker was busted in an FBI sting for planting an ounce of cocaine on another drug dealer. After the drug dealer was arrested, Walker went over to the drug dealer's house and with undercover cameras rolling, walked out of the place with $15,000 in cash and five pounds of marijuana.

"I orchestrated the plan," Walker said. That's why he enlisted the aid of two uniformed officers to pull over the drug dealer.

"In order to break policy you have to know policy," Walker said. He's been in jail ever since, for the last two years.

Drug dealers carry guns, Miller said. Did you ever consider that in orchestrating your plan to plant drugs on that dealer, so you could rob him, that you might have exposed two of your fellow officers to bodily injury?

"That thought didn't cross my mind," Walker said. When asked about planting drugs on people, Walker said, "I've done it so many times" that he couldn't give Miller a number.

The defense lawyer got the witness to agree that he'd planted drugs on people at least 20 times.

And then you stood up in court under oath and lied to a judge and a jury, and sent these innocent people off to jail, Miller said.

Yep, Walker agreed, that's what I did.

"How can the jury tell when you're lying and when you're telling the truth," Miller asked.

The prosecutor objected and the judge sustained the objection.

Instead of seeking inner peace in his jail cell, Miller suggested, Walker might be having delusions of grandeur. The defense lawyer asked Walker if it was true that he was planning to write a book about his exploits.

"It crossed my mind," Walker said. He's talked about it with his family and the FBI.

When you meet with the FBI 45 times, you can't talk about the case all the time.

The Jeffrey Walker story would be a cautionary tale.

The book would reveal how "I've destroyed my life," Walker said. "I've poisoned my life. I see that. I see all the damage I've done."

When he was done after three days of testimony, Walker turned his back and bowed his head so that one of the marshals could cuff him. Then the prosecution's star witness was gone, on his way back to jail.

51 comments

  1. Tom L did the whole squad in by them emails, the emails prove that he's guilty, the other cops on trial should be pissed off at him for that, that's the next best thing to a recording.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tom L did the whole squad in by them emails, the emails prove that he's guilty, the other cops on trial should be pissed off at him for that, that's the next best thing to a recording.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hey nitwit, it only proves Tommy texted him. Doesn't prove anything about anyone else.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Keep watching John Goodwin, youll see that the texts had nothing to do with what these officers are being accused of. As much as you would like to think it does.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I wish no ill will against them, I just do not want to ever see them wear a badge again

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I wish no ill will against them, I just do not want to ever see them wear a badge again.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I wish no ill will against them, I just do not want to ever see them wear a badge again.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I wish no ill will against them, I just do not want to ever see them wear a badge again.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I wish no ill will against them, I just do not want to ever see them wear a badge again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They wont john Goodwin they definately wont!

      Delete
    2. No you do not wish them ill will because they were just doing their job of getting meth dealers like you off the street. You just wish them to be found guilty so you can cash in on your civil suit. In your own words, Its the greed that gets you all the time right?

      Delete
  11. sorry about all the repeat texts, this is all new to me, I'm still learning how to do this stuff, texting

    ReplyDelete
  12. sorry about all the repeat texts, this is all new to me, I'm still learning how to do this stuff, texting

    ReplyDelete
  13. I don't know why these text messages keep repeating itself, I give up

    ReplyDelete
  14. I don't know why these text messages keep repeating itself, I give up

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Too much meth.

      Delete
    2. maybe when you "win" your civil suit you can pay someone to text for you. but until then you need practice. Less Meth~More Text

      Delete
  15. The text messages were already explained in court yesterday. The dates of the text message also correspond to the issue the text messages were about. They were not emails John Goodwin. Please get your facts straight and stop using technology that you do not know how to use.
    Let's break this down:
    Everything that the Narcs are accused of...there is a logical story to explain, with documents to prove it and I'm sure when they put on their case, eyewitnesses to testify to that without contradicting themselves.
    When something is asked of the Feds that doesn't make sense, the answer is...."I don't know", "I don't remember" and "That was a mistake"
    In a case of 100% he said/she said...I know if I am on the jury, I am going to believe logical documentation and not "I don't remember."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. well you "dont know" if the feds didnt tell you what to say and you "dont remember" if your not sure if you said something different to the grand jury and "that was a mistake" if you got caught in one of your lies . But im sure hes lied for the passed 20 some years as a cop....but now hes telling the truth.

      Delete
  16. I cant wait till trial is over an they r found guilty so all you dick riders will stop with there innocent they did nothing wrong they r suppose to help communities, serve an protect, not rob. Lie, an abuse people.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey asshole what happen they bitch slap you too or are you one of them cops with kool aid in his veins. Lol

      Delete
    2. and what should us "dick riders" do when they get found not guilty? just curios because we are going to need to know.

      Delete
  17. I asian. Me no never break law like cop say. I live this country 5 year. My country not cop bad like philladelpia. But i know i innocent. These cop take my money long time now. They see thay go to jail now. Im home my family safe from bad cops no good cop. He take my wife childen and my gold. Family gold from my parent long time now. We asian community not like this. We not sell drug or use drug. I want my money bacj now. Im mad my mom die bad heart this country for what? He take her gold she leave me 30 year. What have he to show for busting me my head hard? Nothing not nothing csuse he in jail. I go to court now. Get big money back they say now snd go back to my country. I buy honest place to work. I have family now cop dont he in jail.

    ReplyDelete
  18. This whole trial is ridiculous i can.t see how the Jury can believe walker with his track record. I understand he says he has to tell the truth or his deal is voided. He.s lying his ass off and his deal won.t be voided because the feds tutored him on what to say. To protect their asse they had 45 sit downs with their star witness and he still could.nt convince the Jury he was not lying by the looks on Jurys faces i was told. Now they will parade the rest of the remaining illiterate witnesses up there not sure what their gonna say because there was not enough time in the day for these flunkies to comprehend what they should say when questioned by the defense. Which brings me to this question. Who are the Bad guys hear the 6 cops doing there Jobs and getting there arrest and convictions or the Prosecution and cops who are making up shit and doing the same thing by putting these lying thugs up there using questionable tactics that the defendents are accused of doing. Where is the Justice here. I cannot see how a Jury can convict here with the testimony heard so far.
    Its Just my opinion could care less if the haters like it or not. A blind man can see these guys are being railroaded and that my sorry haters is the truth spin it anyway u want.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you 200 percent JB. The feds are technically doing some of the same things they are accusing these 6 Police officers of doing. Anytime drug dealers or criminals can jump on an anti cop or dirty cop band wagon you know they are going to. Those are the people that get in the way of their "job".
      Seven more weeks and then these comments should be very interesting.
      The feds are trying to throw so much shit at a wall as they can and are hoping some of it sticks.

      Delete
  19. Its funny everybody pretends like these cops r innocent if they werent doin nothin wrong they wouldnt be in trouble, u have a bunch of people from different place pretty much same story guess everybody us liein , jb you r probably a cop tryin to cover for them aint gonna work because they r guilty as hell they give the good cops a bad name. They r suppose to serve an protect , not abuse there authority an for that justice will be served when they r found guilty cant wait just like the families they ruined hope all there families r ruined see how long there wives stay loyal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not a cop cuz Just don.t wanna see guys who were busted lying to save there asses because they don.t wanna go to jail. U have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt and i Just don.t see it here that.s all im saying. These witnesses are not able to convince here to many loopholes in there testimony not credible enough to sell it

      Delete
  20. I Know 2 of the ex police officers wives personally. And let me tell you they have been doing nothing but complaining. Tom L. Is having anal medical issues i heard in prison that hes claiming to sue the Federal Prison about lol well good luck on that one. Oh and by the way thanks Mr. Jack for leaking that bit of poor oh Tom L medical buisness out. But these two wifes are on the pills very heavy right now claiming bad nerves yada yada yada yada. Well Fleas are what you get when you sleep with mutts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You sound like a good friend.

      Delete
    2. Rite...no loyalty badge from the scouts for you. I'm sure they appreciate your friendship

      Delete
  21. Let me see if I have this right. . . The FBI sets up a sting and catches Walker robbing a drug dealer. He admits that he has been robbing and framing drug dealers for years. The prosecution's star witness is an admitted criminal, with a history of depression and suicidal thoughts, who has lied before a judge and jury countless times before, yet we are supposed to believe his testimony.

    The FBI sets up a sting - based on Walker's stories - to catch these six officers in illegal activity. The sting backfires and the officers report all the money confiscated during the sting.

    Why is there still a trial?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. because the feds spent so many years investigating these guys and not finding evidence that they had to either shit or get off the pot and after they had Jeff Walker he told them what they wanted to hear because he knew they were all being investigated and could try to save him self. Then the feds got what they thought was their slam dunk case after wasting years of tax payers money on a shitty investigation on their part. After they had a bunch of money hungry get out of jail free card drug dealers and one money hungry lying cop and everyones stories were not matching up they now sit in the court room slapping each other when their witnesses say things other then what they were coached to say.

      Delete
  22. If someone who was not following this trial and read our comments on here they would swear we were all making this stuff up. But were not there is a trial going on in down town federal court house and believe it or not it is an embarassment to the city the Judicial system the officers involved on both sides of this case and last but not least the poor Jurors who have to sit threw this Joke of a trial for lack of evidence dignity from both sides and character. Those in charge of allowing this trial to be heard with this evidence and witnesses they put up there should lose there Jobs. I would expect more from my Government to present better evidence audio and informants with a little more savy and class by the US Attorneys presenting this case. Shame on us Citizens to expect more from our Government because there resources are so much better than the local and city budgets. As for the Jurors on this case my prayers are with you here for having to decifer what.s true and what.s not with the lack of competence by our Government putting you in this position. I wish You Jurors nothing but the best no matter what the verdict is. As for your chracter and diginity cannot be questioned here.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Dont know where u r from jb but I live I. South philly seen these cops everyday im friends with people they know they robbed an lied an abused there authority they are far from innocent u may think there is lack of evidence but obviously u have never seen them in action, they r crooked an given good cops bad names justice will be served when case is over an they r doing long time

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh...you are friends with junkies and drug dealers?? Good for you. You are so lucky. Im sure you like to tell lies just like they do. Why else would you be friends with them? What a loser you are.

      Delete
    2. The only "evidence" the feds or anyone else for that matter have of them "in action" is the sting that the feds tried to set them up, where they turned in every penny and followed police procedure, BUT they did use profanity.....Does anyone know how much jail time you get for using profanity on the police force ?? just wondering.....

      Delete
    3. Oh, and least a lifetime. Hell...2 lifetimes. That f word is very scary and violating How dare they!! Lol

      Delete
  24. Have you ever seen them in action? Thats why there is a lack of evidence moron. No one has evidence. The witnesses they are putting up on the stand are getting caught in lie after lie because thats what drug dealers do. Michael Procopio who is from south phila got caught in the most lies besides Walker. Philly.com wrecked him. He is probably one of you friends!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Use all talk this tough guy shit bunch of straight faggots cant wait for guilty verdict bunch of dick riders 2:05 ,im around all day everyday u wanna run your mouth I dont play internet tough guy shit

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ^^^_1UP
      What are you doing now making idle threats you friggin MORON.
      You call people faggots and dick riders what kinda shit is that. U talk like your a Peter puffer yourself you little queer. If you meant any of these people on the street they bitch slap your tough guy computer ass Just like the cops did when they busted your queer punk ass.

      Delete
  26. I aint never get busted an if u r feelin tough ill meet u whenever

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The bruthas say Not Guilty Yo!!!!!"April 17, 2015 at 6:27 PM

      Yo bitch talking shit yo be.s carefull what you wish for yo you might Just get it yo. Not Guilty yo! !!!! See Ya Bitch

      Delete
    2. Meet up whenever? How??? Don't you have a job? No?

      Delete
  27. Not guilty my ass im gonna laugh since all u dummys say not guilty obviously use dont know nothin so just keep your mouth shut.

    ReplyDelete
  28. HAS ANY ONE NOTICED THAT 99.9 % OF THE PEOPLE ON HERE SAYING THAT THESE MEN ARE GUILTY CAN BARELY TYPE IN ENGLISH. That uneducated "street" ghetto talk and grammar is as disgusting as the life you probably lead, most of the time the only people who dont like the police are people that have encounters with them, which means your probably breaking the law. Maybe if you spent more time in school as a child paying attention to your English teachers and less time on the streets with your "homies" you would not have problems with the police. You also might know how to speak and type so that educated people can understand what you are saying. So please if "USE" want to keep trolling this site with your hood rat antics could "USE" pick up a dictionary before doing so. Thank "use"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Its pretty sad these idiots lack the inteligents for proper grammer. But show them a scale they.ll get the weight right grams ounces pounds if someone shows them the Numbers on the scale but they sure as hell can.t spell the words if someone asked them Lol ahhhhhh ight

      Delete
  29. To all Anonymous Haters here.s the real deal
    Not Guilty Not Guilty Not Guilty Not Guilty
    Not Guilty Not Guilty Not Guiltu Not Guilty
    NOT GUILTY! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"""" GOT IT

    ReplyDelete
  30. Ok enough of this nonsense Hey George or Ralph what.s the Skinny on Skinny Joey Merlino when will he be gettimg out. Also when is the Galati Ins Trial.

    ReplyDelete
  31. If you have NEVER been in trouble with the law AND think these 6 men are GUILTY please stand up.
    ...........why is everyone still sitting down?

    ReplyDelete
  32. These cops are cooked-Roasted. Top brass wont attempt to help them on the stand one way or another. You ask why not? We all know shit rolls down hill!!! A few of my buds overheard one top brass say-These guys got me in all this BS, im such and such away from retirement, i dont need this right now. Top brass wont get their brass dulled by these six cops "no way jose". They will at best plead the Fifth Amendment to most of the Feds question for fear of being implicated in this kaos or either other crimes if it may be? Thomas and his cronies have an appointment to keep as they promised(that made a deal with the Devil and Now the Devil is here to collect).

    ReplyDelete

Thoughtful commentary welcome. Trolling, harassing, and defaming not welcome. Consistent with 47 U.S.C. 230, we have the right to delete without warning any comments we believe are obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, excessively violent, harassing, or otherwise objectionable, whether or not such material is constitutionally protected.

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.