Hassan Bennett, who leads Philadelphia's Citizens Police Oversight Commission, was arrested Tuesday and charged with selling confidential information about a witness in an attempted murder case. Prosecutors say Bennett provided the witness's name and unredacted police reports to an inmate for $500, a case that raises questions about safeguards inside the agencies meant to protect the public.

How did investigators trace the exchange?

The District Attorney's Gun Violence Task Force began looking into the matter in August 2026, after prison officials flagged suspicious calls involving Thomas Scott, an inmate accused of trying to intimidate a witness. According to the DA's office, Scott was recorded on prison calls and social media saying he was searching for the witness's location, wanted the witness to recant, and would "blow down the witness in broad daylight."

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During one recorded three-way call, investigators heard Bennett reading an arrest report to Scott and sharing the witness's full name. Prosecutors say Scott offered $500 for the paperwork, and digital analysis confirmed he later obtained the documents and sent them to others. Bennett and Scott are each charged with witness intimidation, conspiracy, bribery and criminal use of a communication facility.

Why does this matter for police oversight?

The arrest lands on a commission that has already faced internal conflict and staff turnover, according to Axios Philadelphia. Bennett, 43, became a prominent reform advocate after spending about 13 years in prison for a murder conviction that was overturned; he was acquitted at a 2019 retrial. He also worked as a client advocate at the Defender Association of Philadelphia, which said it is moving to fire him and called the allegations "exceptionally serious." The commission has placed him on leave, saying its responsibility to the city is unchanged. Assistant District Attorney William Fritze said officials who hold police accountable should be held to a higher standard.

FAQ

What is Bennett accused of selling?

Prosecutors say he provided the full name of a witness and unredacted copies of police reports that are normally protected from public release.

What happens next for Bennett?

He is being held on $1 million bail while the case proceeds, and he has been placed on leave from the commission.