Ex Philly Homicide Detective Guilty Of Rape, Stalking, Oppression

Philadelphia PA

02 June, 2022

9:31 AM

Description

PHILADELPHIA — A former Philadelphia Police homicide detective was convicted of rape, sexual assault, official oppression, and more charges. Authorities Wednesday said Philip Nordo, 55, of Philadelphia was found guilty on the charges related to the abuse of three young male victims, who were witnesses and informants during the course of his official work. While three people came forward in this case, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office said Nordo had many victims who were also vulnerable young men. According to the DA's office, Nordo used his role as a police officer to intimidate and groom male suspects and witnesses into sexual encounters. These incidents began in 2005, according to authorities. Nordo was also found guilty of theft by deception for stealing crime reward money in the murder of off-duty Philadelphia Police Officer Moses Walker, which Nordo diverted to one of his victims, by falsely claiming that victim helped solve Walker's murder. "I want to thank the jury of Philadelphia residents for their service over the past two and a half weeks," District Attorney Larry Krasner said. "This verdict upholds justice for victims of sexual assault, upholds the integrity of law enforcement who respect and follow the law, and upholds conviction integrity. As this verdict establishes, Detective Nordo's predatory crimes, corruption, abuse of a position of public trust, and disregard for the integrity of homicide investigations and victims and survivors are jaw-dropping and deeply shameful for the criminal justice system." Krasner said the DA's office had a chance to stop Nordo back in 2005, but said under District Attorney Lynne Abraham the office "was not known for holding law enforcement accountable." Nordo was fired by the Philadelphia Police Department in 2017. Following a grand jury investigation, he was arrested and charged for his crimes in 2019 and 2021. To date, the DA's Conviction Integrity Unit has reviewed approximately 62 homicide convictions in which Nordo was involved in the investigation. With support of the Conviction Integrity Unit, five people wrongfully convicted of homicide in "Nordo-claim cases" have been exonerated; two convicted people received reduced sentences and charges; one person was granted a new trial and is awaiting retrial; and four defendants are awaiting judicial response after the Conviction Integrity Unit supported vacating their convictions. One defendant's appeal is pending after the Conviction Integrity Unit agreed to relief and a court denied a request for a new trial. One person wrongfully convicted of firearms offenses was exonerated in 2017 with support from the DAO. The Conviction Integrity Unit is currently reviewing several dozen more Nordo-claim cases. Nordo will be sentenced on August 5. At the request of prosecutors, his bail has been revoked.