Updated

A judge has thrown out 53 drug convictions connected to a Philadelphia narcotics police officer who is facing federal corruption charges.

Judge Sheila Woods-Skipper during a hearing Friday tossed the convictions, which were based on the testimony of former Officer Jeffrey Walker.

The 22-year veteran of the force was arrested in May following an FBI sting. Authorities allege he plotted about ripping off drug dealers with an unnamed person who turned out to be an FBI informant.

Investigators said Walker planted drugs in a suspected dealer's car outside a west Philadelphia bar and he and the informant later left the suspected dealer's home with $15,000 cash and marijuana.

Walker is due in federal court for a hearing on Nov. 20.