Philly detective fired over alleged tip to ex-NBA player “Pooh” Richardson about drug raid

Philly detective fired over alleged tip about raid

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia detective has been fired over his alleged phone tip to former NBA player Jerome “Pooh” Richardson about a police investigation.

Federal officials say Rickie Durham warned his childhood friend in August 2005 that police would soon raid the home of a suspected drug kingpin. Richardson’s half-sister lived with the suspect.

Authorities say Richardson quickly placed a call to his half-sister Asya (AY’-zhuh) and also spoke with her boyfriend, Alton “Ace Capone” Coles.

Hours later, more than 200 officers fanned out to arrest the couple and others linked to Coles. He is now serving a life term.

The 43-year-old Durham was charged with obstruction this week and put on electronic monitoring Thursday.

Richardson has not been charged.