Former Police Officers Plead Guilty to Drug Charges

PHILADELPHIA—Robert Snyder, 30, and James Venziale, 32, both of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty today to a drug conspiracy involving heroin and related offenses, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. At the time of the crimes, both defendants were Philadelphia Police Officers assigned to the 25th and 39th Police Districts, respectively.

Snyder and Venziale were charged in July 2010, along with then-police officer Mark Williams, Zachary Young, Angel Ortiz, Christal Snyder, and Miguel Santiago. Today, the two defendants admitted that they planned and executed a scheme to steal heroin from Santiago and then distribute that heroin to another person whom the defendants believed to be a drug dealer and money launderer, but who was, in reality, an undercover special agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Snyder and Venziale abused their authority as police officers and agreed to assist in the scheme to steal heroin from Santiago. On May 14, 2010, immediately after Santiago’s drug courier delivered 300 grams of heroin, Venziale—who was on duty and in uniform at the time—stopped Ortiz’s vehicle and, with Santiago’s drug courier watching nearby, Venziale made it appear as if the heroin was being seized and Ortiz arrested. As a result, the co-conspirators obtained 300 grams of heroin, without payment to Santiago. Venziale was then paid for taking part in the scheme. In addition to the conspiracy count, Venziale pleaded guilty to knowingly and intentionally distributing, and aiding and abetting the distribution of, 100 grams or more, that is, approximately 299 grams, of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin; and possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin within 1,000 feet of a school. Snyder also pleaded guilty conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin within 1,000 feet of a school; use of a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking; conspiracy to commit robbery which interferes with interstate commerce; attempted robbery which interferes with interstate commerce; and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced May 10, 2011. Snyder faces a mandatory minimum term of ten years in prison; Venziale faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison. The remaining co-defendants are awaiting trial.

The case was investigated by The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the cooperation and assistance of the Philadelphia Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen McCartney and Anthony Wzorek.