Philadelphia police watchdog chair on leave after arrest
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The chair of Philadelphia's police watchdog group is being sidelined following his arrest over allegations that he sold confidential information in a criminal case, prosecutors said at a news conference Tuesday.
Why it matters: Hassan Bennett's arrest is another low point for the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC), which has been wracked by infighting and turnover.
Driving the news: Bennett, 43, is accused of providing court records and a witness' name in a pending criminal case to another man in exchange for $500, prosecutors said.
- Bennett faces charges including witness intimidation, conspiracy and bribery and is being held on $1 million bail, prosecutors said.
Zoom in: Bennett worked as a client advocate at the Defender Association of Philadelphia, where prosecutors say he gained access to the confidential information.
- Investigators recognized Bennett's voice on a three-way prison phone call in which he was offered a "nickel" — or $500 — in exchange for the information, prosecutors said.
Context: Bennett became a prominent figure in Philly's wrongfully convicted community after spending 13 years in prison following his murder conviction in the 2006 shooting death of a West Philly man.
- His conviction was later overturned, and he was acquitted after defending himself at a fourth trial in 2019, per the Inquirer.
What they're saying: The Defender Association of Philadelphia tells Axios it is moving to fire Bennett, calling the allegations "exceptionally serious."
- "The Defender Association of Philadelphia's primary mission and duty is to safeguard the rights and interests of our clients. Any conduct that breaches that trust is entirely unacceptable," the office said.
The other side: CPOC said Bennett has been placed on leave while the case is pending, adding its "responsibility to the people of Philadelphia remains unchanged."