Feds charge 2 more Camden cops in rogue operation

Two Camden police officers, who were part of special squad assigned to patrol hot spots where drug activity was particularly high, have been indicted on federal charges of conspiring with fellow officers to deprive others of their civil rights, authorities said.

The officers, Antonio Figueroa and Robert Bayard, are among five officers who had been under investigation for their connection to a rogue narcotics-enforcement operation. Authorities said some officers planted evidence, made false arrests, and traded drugs for information from prostitutes.

The indictment was handed down on Wednesday and unsealed today, authorities said.

A press conference will be held today to announce the indictment.

Figueroa and Bayard had been suspended without pay while criminal investigation continued.

Three officers have since admitted their role in the rogue operation.

As a result of the misconduct, the Camden County Prosecutor's Office overturned drug charges against more than 185 people, some of whom were in prison on bogus charges.

The city, which consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous and poorest in the nation also has been hit with numerous law suits by those the officers arrested. More lawsuits are expected.