Former homicide detective charged for sexually assaulting male witnesses, held without bail

Philip Nordo
Photo credit Philadelphia Police Department

UPDATED: 4:45 p.m.

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PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A longtime Philadelphia police officer and homicide detective is accused of grooming and sexually assaulting male witnesses, suspects and prisoners tied to investigations — one of whom was murdered a few years ago. 

A Philadelphia grand jury returned an indictment against Philip Nordo, 52, Tuesday morning, and he was subsequently arrested. He was formally charged Tuesday afternoon on dozens of sexual assault charges. He is being held without bail, and was given an order for protective custody from the judge.

Authorities issued a search warrant of Nordo's home after his arrest, where they discovered files about three persons of interest in particular cases obtained.

More details from video arraignment just minutes ago: search warrant on his house this morning, after his arrest. Files about 3 persons of interest in particular cases obtained. Defense attorney says he maintains his innocence. Next court date in March. https://t.co/nrqR4jaDZf

— Kristen Johanson (@KristenJohanson) February 19, 2019

Prosecutors say he used his position of authority to engage in misconduct, cultivating relationships with individuals who may have been related to specific investigations. 

The grand jury has accused him of coercing potential witnesses and suspects to appear at meeting locations of his choice outside of police department properties; making threats of detention, arrest and prosecution; and helping some to avoid prosecution or punishment for crimes they committed.

They say he coerced witnesses with money, including making deposits into the accounts of incarcerated individuals, and giving out gift cards. And he is further accused of discussing sexual conduct with certain individuals.

Nordo was on the force for about 20 years — first in the East Division and then seven years as a detective in the Homicide Unit. 

Police Commissioner Richard Ross fired Nordo a year-and-a-half ago, after an Internal Affairs investigation.

"Disturbing, troubling, and quite frankly, a lot of it's sickening," he said of the allegations. "We had to move swiftly, given the gravity of the situation, and not wanting anymore cases to be tainted, which is a problem in and of itself."

Described in court documents, the incidents stem back to 2005 involving a robbery suspect, who prosecutors and a grand jury say was asked to perform a sexual act on himself at Nordo's direction. That defendant was later found murdered in 2015, and the case remains unsolved.  

Prosecutors do not connect his murder to Nordo. 

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 says that, after reviewing the charges, they will not be representing Nordo through his legal proceedings. 

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said they are continuing to investigate.

"When you have a situation where there are shocking allegations, sometimes it emboldens people who have also been victimized to come forward," he added. "One of our concerns in a case like this is to make sure we protect the safety and privacy of individuals that have been victimized."

Prosecutors are continuing to investigate. 

Nordo's defense attorney says he maintains his innocence. His next court date is in March.

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Stay with KYW Newsradio for updates on this developing story.