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George Floyd-era police watchdog chair charged with selling name to inmate who vowed to ‘blow down’ witness
Philadelphia police watchdog chair Hassan Bennett and inmate Thomas Scott face felony charges after prosecutors alleged Bennett gave Scott a witness’s name and an unredacted arrest report in an attempted murder case. The information was allegedly used to intimidate the witness and pressure them to recant, raising concerns about access to confidential information by public officials.
Investigators say prison calls captured Bennett reading details from the report and Scott offering him $500 for the paperwork. Prosecutors allege Scott circulated the documents and posted on social media to deter the witness from appearing in court. Both men face charges including witness intimidation, conspiracy and bribery; Bennett is on leave from the commission, which was formed after the 2020 protests over George Floyd’s death.
In short
- Philadelphia watchdog chair Hassan Bennett faces felony charges.
- Prosecutors allege he sold a witness’s details for $500.
- The commission says Bennett is on leave.
Explained simply
Philadelphia’s police watchdog commission oversees complaints about police conduct and was formed after the protests that followed George Floyd’s death in 2020. Its chair, Hassan Bennett, is a public official with a role in scrutinising the police.
In criminal cases, witnesses may give evidence that helps a court decide what happened. Their identities and case documents can be restricted to protect them and to prevent pressure that could affect their evidence.
The allegations concern an attempted murder case and raise questions about how confidential information was handled. Bennett and inmate Thomas Scott face charges, which they can contest in court; a charge is not a finding of guilt.