Retrial of 'rogue' cop begins

0 Comments | Philadelphia Daily News, June, 2009 | by MICHAEL HINKELMAN hinkelm@phillynews.com 215-854-2656

Former Philadelphia cop Malik Snell used his badge and a tricked-out Dodge Intrepid that appeared to be a police undercover car to target drug dealers and rob them, a federal prosecutor said yesterday.

In his opening statement during Snell's third trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Henson walked over to the defense table, pointed at the defendant and told the jury: "Malik Snell, the policeman, is the robber he is charged with being."

But defense attorney John I. McMahon Jr., said that Snell - an 11-year veteran who was assigned to the 18th police district - was an "innocent" victim of "vile and despicable" allegations leveled by "corrupt and polluted sources."

A number of convicted drug dealers who have plea agreements with the government are expected to testify...