New light has been shed on the case of the robbers who threatened, tortured and stole from different drug dealers while dressed as police officers. As it turns out, a real police officer wore his uniform, with badge, gun and handcuffs, at least at one of the heists.

NYPD officer Jorge H. Arbaje-Diaz, currently 30 years old, has been accused of taking part in the robberies and betraying the police department. The group of robbers operated between May 2003 and August 2008 in approximately 6 states, including New York, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

The robbers dressed up as police officers and threatened people in order to give them all of their money and drugs. It is estimated that the band was involved in 100 armed robberies and that it managed to get approximately 750 kg of cocaine and $4 million dollars.

Police officer Jorge H. Arbaje-Diaz pleaded not guilty in front of a judge but was sentenced to be held without bail until his next appointment for a trial set on December 15th. The police officer is indicted with conspiracy to violate the Hobbes Act, possession and distribution of cocaine and firearms charges. If convicted on all accounts, Arbaje-Diaz will be seeing a lifetime imprisonment sentence.

NYPD declared that this was really shameful and it was a true betrayal of the badge. The police officer operated with the other robbers and using the privileges given by his uniform he managed to threaten many people and abuse his power. Though there is no proof that other police officers were involved in the crimes, NYPD said it would analyze Arbaje-Diaz’ file closely.