Philly cop stole perps’ cards, filled up his gas tank, feds say

As the U.S. Attorney tells it, Charles Jacoby was a Philly cop with a fraud scheme on the side.

Authorities said Jacoby, who worked as a patrol officer and cell block attendant in the 22nd Police District in North Philadelphia, was supposed to safeguard the personal belongings of recently arrested and incarcerated individuals that had been placed in temporary storage.

Instead, Jacoby, 30, of Burholme in the far Northeast, allegedly stole their debit and credit cards and used them cards to buy gasoline for his personal vehicle and various items for himself.

Jacoby was charged today by criminal information, a process that typically indicates a plea deal is in the works. Both Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Brenner and defense attorney David Averett declined to comment on the case.

Jacoby is the 34th Philadelphia police officer to be charged with a crime since 2009.

Authorities couldn't say how much Jacoby spent on the cards, but it is believed to be less than $1,000. (The nine-year veteran earned a base salary of $59,556, according to city payroll data.)

The charging papers said that after stealing the cards, Jacoby would leave the 22nd Police District and drive to a Wawa to fill up and buy other items, then destroy the cards.The scheme began in January and continued to about April 5, the charging papers said.

Authorities said Jacoby targeted individuals who he thought had acted rowdy or disruptive. An investigation of Jacoby was begun after authorities received a complaint from one of Jacoby's victims.

Police spokesman Lt. Raymond Evers said Jacoby will be suspended for 30 days with intent to dismiss.

NOTE: An earlier version of this story had an incorrect name for Charles Jacoby.