"It's quite involved," DiLacqua said. "It's not as simple to close out as other jobs. We're trying to leave no stone unturned. . . . Sometimes we're led somewhere unexpected and we follow another path. There's multiple people with multiple allegations."
In fact, this is the single largest case that Internal Affairs investigators are handling, he said.
The investigation mushroomed in March when the Daily News reported allegations that Cujdik and other members of the Narcotics Field Unit disabled surveillance cameras during raids of bodegas and smoke shops that sold tiny ziplock bags, which police consider drug paraphernalia. After the officers sliced or cut the wires, thousands of dollars in cash and merchandise were missing, the merchants said.
Many of the merchants were hardworking immigrants who spoke little to no English and were not familiar with the criminal justice system. FBI agents have since interviewed many store owners, using translators when necessary.
The investigation took another twist when three women alleged that Officer Thomas Tolstoy fondled, groped or sexually violated them during drug raids.
Cujdik, Tolstoy and three other officers remain on desk duty.
Even though no officer has been charged with a crime, many of their drug cases have been dropped and some drug suspects have gone free.
"[The 'Tainted Justice' series] has forced the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office to recognize that it cannot bring any cases involving these officers as long as this investigative cloud hangs over their actions," said Assistant Public Defender Bradley S. Bridge.
The series has not only impacted pending cases, but more than 50 convicted drug dealers are fighting for new trials, alleging that narcotics officers fabricated evidence against them, Bridge said.
