Philadelphia police oversight official arrested for witness intimidation

Hassan Bennett, the chair of Philadelphia’s Citizens Police Oversight Commission, and Thomas Scott have been arrested and charged with felony witness intimidation. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office alleges that Bennett used his position to access confidential information from city case management systems to assist Scott in locating a witness in an attempted murder case.

Investigators claim Bennett and Scott participated in recorded three-way prison phone calls with a suspect, during which they allegedly discussed a $500 payment for details regarding the witness’s location. Assistant District Attorney Joseph Lanuti stated that Scott had made social media posts suggesting he was searching for the witness and implying the individual should recant their statement.

Bennett, who previously served 13 years following a murder conviction before being acquitted in 2019, had become a prominent advocate for police reform. The District Attorney’s Office noted that the individuals involved should be held to a higher standard given their roles in oversight and the legal system.