Retired NYPD officer Robert Smith who, along with the two active duty NYPD officers, was charged last week with allegedly participating in a bribery scheme and who was separately charged with attempted distribution of heroin appeared via teleconference in federal court in Brooklyn Wednesday for a bail hearing. 

Prosecutors argued that Smith should remain in custody saying he poses a significant danger to the community, is a flight risk, and that evidence of his guilt is overwhelming.

Smith’s attorney argued that Smith “is not a major crime figure” and has young children and family ties to the community.

U.S. District Court Judge Rachel Kovner ordered Smith released to home confinement with electronic monitoring on a $1.5 million bond secured by his home and the home of close family members.