Garcia and Joanis, Robbery and Drug Scheme, Pennsylvania 2013

Two former Philadelphia police officers have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a scheme to rob drug dealers.

Jonathan Garcia, 26, and Sydemy Joanis, 28, both of Philadelphia, were sentenced to 210 months and 63 months, respectively, for their involvement in the scheme.

The defendants, who were assigned to the 17th Police District, entered into a scheme in December 2009 to rob suspected drug dealers by stopping and frisking individuals, arresting them, and stealing some or all of their money.

Sometimes, the defendants would use a person, known as Person #1, who would meet with a suspected drug dealer and buy a small quantity of drugs, leaving some in plain view. The defendants would then pull up, stop the dealer, and steal some or all of their money.

To conceal their crimes, the defendants falsified police reports by failing to disclose their use of Person #1 and fabricating the basis for the stop.

Garcia pleaded guilty on July 30, 2013, to distribution of heroin, conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, attempted robbery, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Joanis pleaded guilty on February 11, 2014, to conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, attempted robbery, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

U.S. District Court Judge Legrome Davis also ordered Garcia to pay a fine of $5,000 and a special assessment of $900, and to serve five years of supervised release. Joanis was ordered to pay a fine of $2,000 and a special assessment of $400, and to serve three years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin R. Brenner.

Garcia and Joanis were arrested and sentenced in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The defendants’ scheme was uncovered and they were brought to justice, a testament to the hard work of law enforcement and prosecutors.

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