Hassan Bennett, chair of Philadelphia’s Citizens Police Oversight Commission, has been charged with allegedly providing a prison inmate with a witness’ full name and an unredacted arrest report. Prosecutors say the inmate, Thomas Scott, had threatened to harm the witness in an attempted murder case. Investigators allege Scott offered Bennett $500 for the paperwork and distributed it to others to intimidate the witness. Bennett and Scott face multiple felony charges, while Bennett has been placed on leave from the commission.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Charges center on alleged disclosure of witness information |
| 2) | Prison calls reportedly captured the alleged exchange |
| 3) | Bennett’s public role and prior case history |
| 4) | Officials assess the impact on police oversight |
| 5) | Both defendants face felony allegations |
Charges center on alleged disclosure of witness information
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office alleges that Bennett sold sensitive information connected to an open domestic violence attempted murder case. The material reportedly included the witness’ full name and an arrest report that had not been redacted. Prosecutors say Scott was the intended recipient and that the disclosure created a risk of intimidation while the case remained active.
The alleged conduct involved Bennett in his capacity as a person with access to confidential criminal case information. Officials say Scott had threatened to “blow down” the witness “in broad daylight,” and later sought the witness’ location and demanded that the witness withdraw the statement. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Prison calls reportedly captured the alleged exchange
Investigators monitored prison calls involving Scott and reportedly heard Bennett read details from the arrest report. According to prosecutors, Scott then asked Bennett to provide a copy of the paperwork and offered $500 in return. The documents were subsequently sent to Scott, prosecutors said.
The District Attorney’s Office alleges that Scott circulated the documents to other people to intimidate the witness and discourage court testimony. Officials also said Scott described social media posts as a way to keep the witness from appearing in court. The reported recordings form part of the evidence underlying the charges.
Bennett’s public role and prior case history
Hassan Bennett chairs Philadelphia’s Citizens Police Oversight Commission, a city body formed after the 2020 protests that followed the death of George Floyd. He also works at the Defender Association of Philadelphia. The commission said Bennett is on leave while the allegations are addressed.
Bennett was convicted of second-degree murder in 2008 and acquitted at a 2019 retrial. During that retrial, one victim and a co-defendant testified that earlier statements implicating Bennett had been coerced by a homicide detective. That history is separate from the current allegations, which concern the handling of information in another attempted murder case.
Officials assess the impact on police oversight
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner described the alleged conduct as serious but said it did not represent the work of the police oversight commission or the Defender Association. He said the evidence against Bennett was strong while acknowledging that the case remains a legal matter.
“I would like to be in a position to say that this defendant had no such involvement, but he did, and the evidence is strong,” Krasner said.
The commission said it recognized the seriousness of the matter, would respect the legal process and would take steps to protect confidential information. It also said its work on police accountability, transparency and public trust would continue.
Both defendants face felony allegations
Bennett and Scott are each charged with felony intimidation of a witness or victim, conspiracy, criminal use of a communication facility and bribery. The charges reflect prosecutors’ allegations that confidential information was exchanged for money and then used in an effort to influence a witness in an open case.
A police association spokeswoman, Betsy Brantner Smith, called the case a cautionary tale for cities that give officials access to private information. She said Philadelphia should review the commission and assess the ethics of people handling sensitive records. Attorneys for Scott and Bennett were not immediately available for comment.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bennett is accused of providing a witness’ identity and an unredacted arrest report. |
| 2 | Scott allegedly threatened the witness and offered $500 for case paperwork. |
| 3 | Investigators say prison calls captured discussions about the report and witness. |
| 4 | Bennett is on leave from the police oversight commission. |
Summary
The case places a senior Philadelphia police oversight official at the center of allegations involving confidential information, witness intimidation and bribery. Prosecutors say recorded prison conversations and the alleged transfer of case documents support the charges against Bennett and Scott. The commission has placed Bennett on leave and said it will protect sensitive information while the legal process continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hassan Bennett?
Bennett is the chair of Philadelphia’s Citizens Police Oversight Commission and also works at the Defender Association of Philadelphia.
What do prosecutors allege?
Prosecutors allege that Bennett gave Thomas Scott a witness’ full name and an unredacted arrest report after Scott offered $500 for the documents.
What charges do Bennett and Scott face?
Both face felony charges of intimidation of a witness or victim, conspiracy, criminal use of a communication facility and bribery.
What has happened to Bennett’s commission role?
The Citizens Police Oversight Commission said Bennett is on leave and that it will take appropriate steps to protect confidential information.
