FBI: Philly detective tipped off drug kingpin to raid through ex-NBA player “Pooh” Richardson

FBI: Philly detective tipped off drug kingpin

PHILADELPHIA — Prosecutors want to detain a Philadelphia detective charged with tipping off a drug kingpin about a raid through a mutual friend, former NBA player Jerome “Pooh” Richardson.

Detective Rickie Durham appeared in federal court Wednesday on obstruction and other charges.

The indictment says Durham called Richardson before a 2005 raid on a cocaine ring led by Alton Coles. Durham allegedly warned Richardson that his sister — Coles’ live-in girlfriend — would also be charged.

Authorities say Richardson called his sister, prompting Coles to order underlings to hide evidence.

Richardson is not charged.

Richardson, the first-ever draft pick of the Minnesota Timberwolves franchise in 1989, also played for the Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles Clippers.