Philadelphia’s police watchdog chair Hassan Bennett faces felony charges after prosecutors say he sold a witness’s identity and an unredacted arrest report to inmate Thomas Scott, who vowed to kill the witness in broad daylight.
Philadelphia Police Watchdog Chair Charged
Investigators say prison call recordings captured Bennett reading Scott details from the arrest report and handing over the witness’s full name.
Scott requested a copy of the paperwork, offering $500, and distributed the documents to intimidate the witness, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.
Both men now face felony counts of witness intimidation, conspiracy, criminal use of a communication facility and bribery.
Bennett, who heads the Citizens Police Oversight Commission created after the 2020 George Floyd protests, was convicted of second‑degree murder in 2008 and cleared on retrial in 2019.
District Attorney Larry Krasner called the alleged crimes “serious” but said they do not reflect on the commission or the Defender Association of Philadelphia.
Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith of the National Police Association warned the case should serve as a cautionary tale and stressed that access to private information demands strict ethical standards.
The Citizens Police Oversight Commission placed Bennett on leave, stating it will respect the legal process, avoid comment on pending allegations and protect confidential information.
Fox News Digital could not reach Bennett or Scott’s attorney for comment.
