The chairman of Philadelphia’s Citizens Police Oversight Commission faces charges of bribery, witness intimidation and other charges after prosecutors say he provided another man with sensitive information about witnesses in a domestic violence-related attempted murder case.
Hassan Bennett, who also works for the public defender’s office, allegedly provided unredacted documents from a criminal case to Thomas Scott, an inmate accused of trying to intimidate a witness in a domestic violence-related attempted murder case, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors say Scott was seeking information about witnesses. Bennett provided the information to Scott through his work at the public defender’s office or Citizens’ Police Oversight Commission in exchange for $500, officials said.
“They should not only hold themselves accountable, but if they’re going to hold us accountable, they should hold themselves to an even higher standard, which is why it’s shameful,” said Assistant District Attorney William Fritze.
Investigators said they discovered the alleged exchange through jail calls made in August and digital recordings.
Criminal case documents made public are typically redacted to protect sensitive information. Prosecutors allege that Bennett provided Scott with documents containing information that should not have been available to the public.
“These documents were only supposed to go through attorneys. They’re not supposed to be sold outside of the court system for $500,” Assistant District Attorney Joseph Lanuti said.
Leaders of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission told NBC10 Investigators that Bennett is currently on leave.
The commission released a statement responding to the allegations:
“The Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) has been informed of the arrest of Hassan Bennett, who chairs the Commission. We recognize the seriousness of this matter. We will respect the legal process, refrain from commenting on the legal allegations that are under investigation, and take appropriate measures to protect confidential information.
“CPOC will continue to monitor this situation as it evolves. Our responsibility to the people of Philadelphia remains unchanged. We will continue our work to strengthen police accountability, promote transparency, and build public trust.
“Bennett is currently on leave from the Commission. We will continue to share more information as it becomes available.”
Bennett faces charges including bribery and witness intimidation. A judge set his bail at $1 million and he remained in custody as of Tuesday evening.
Scott faces the same charges and was held on $3 million bail.
Bennett was previously tried four times for homicide before finally being acquitted in 2019.
City Councilman Curtis Jones, who led staffing of the Philadelphia Citizens’ Police Oversight Commission, said the allegations against Bennett were “very troubling.”
NBC10 investigators have reached out to the public defender’s office for comment.
Gn usa
