He can’t get his story straight.
Narcotics Detective Abel Joseph, 39, was arraigned Tuesday in a Manhattan court on felony perjury charges for allegedly giving two different sworn accounts of busting an accused PCP peddler in East Harlem.
“This is a serious crime,” said Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Ryan Connors. “As a detective, honest police testimony is the bedrock of the criminal justice system.”
The undercover from the Bronx testified before a grand jury in August 2010 that he and his team were unable to find the buyers but never lost sight of the alleged drug pusher, according to prosecutors.
Joseph changed his story during a September 2011 hearing, claiming he had nabbed and released the buyers after finding no drugs on them. He also admitted losing sight of the dealer before cuffing him.
As a result of the conflicting testimony, the case against the suspected drug dealer was dismissed, prosecutors said.
“Perjury in official proceedings is intolerable,” said Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance. “This detective wasted the time and resources of prosecutors, the court, and a grand jury, and the actions for which he stands accused led to a criminal case being dismissed in its entirety.”
Joseph pleaded not guilty to two counts of perjury in Manhattan Supreme Court before Justice Gregory Carro. He faces up to seven years if convicted. The 11-year veteran was released on his own recognizance.
“I’m at a loss to how it is we are standing here 3 ½ years after the arrest and 2 ½ years after the testimony,” said defense lawyer James Moschella.
“The Manhattan DAs office today has sent a message that it cares far more about the people that deal drugs in the city than those who risk their lives taking drugs off the street.”
Joseph voluntarily Tuesday morning and is due back in court Jan. 8.