2 ex-cops plead guilty in heroin theft plot

Former Philadelphia Police Officers Robert Snyder and James Venziale pleaded guilty this morning to federal charges of conspiracy and drug possession for their involvement in a plot to steal heroin from a drug dealer and resell it for cash.

Snyder, 30, and Venziale, 32, were two of three former Philadelphia officers arrested in the scheme last summer. The third alleged coconspirator, former officer Mark Williams, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Snyder's wife, Christal, also was charged for her alleged involvement in the plan.

Snyder faces at least 10 years in prison, and a maximum of life in prison. Vanziale faces up to 160 years in prison, and a mandatory minimum of five years.

Snyder, who had been assigned to the 25th Police District, and Venziale, who worked in the 39th, had been free on bail in the months following their arrests. They said little during their appearances before U.S. District Couty Judge Harvey Bartle 3rd this morning.

Assistant US Attorney Maureen McCartney said Snyder and Venziale had taken responsibility for their actions.