Washington Township councilman faces allegations of sending harassing letters to local school board members.
In Washington Township, New Jersey, a local councilman is facing serious allegations of harassment following reports that he sent unsigned letters containing offensive messages to two school board members. Richard Bennett is implicated in this disturbing incident, which has led to the filing of civilian criminal complaints by board members Patricia Blome and Connie Baker, as well as school board president Julie Kozempel. The complaints allege four specific offenses against Bennett: harassment, impersonation, falsification, and hindering apprehension.
According to a spokesperson for the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, the complaints were officially recorded and are currently under review. The recent turmoil within the Washington Township School District has heightened these tensions, particularly surrounding divisions within the school board regarding budgetary issues and the controversial suspension of Superintendent Eric Hibbs.
Police investigations into the case have revealed critical evidence. Authorities traced the letters back to a post office located in the Sewell section of Washington Township, where surveillance footage captured a male, identified as Bennett, mailing the letters. This discovery has raised questions about Bennett’s conduct as an elected official. While he has not publicly responded to inquiries regarding the allegations, council president Peter Del Borrello III expressed his shock and concern over the situation.
Chief Patrick Gurcsik of the Washington Township Police has indicated that his department concluded a criminal investigation, advising involved individuals to pursue charges through municipal court directly. The letters, sent on May 12 and received two days later, utilized Kozempel’s return address, which alarmed Blome and Baker and prompted them to alert law enforcement.
The contents of the letters were alarming and confrontational, with both recipients described as “evil, stupid, and dishonest.” The letters also contained demands for Blome and Baker to resign from their positions. A notable inscription read “You are a disgrace!” and concluded with a foreboding note stating that “God is watching your action!!!” The letters, while unsigned, raised concerns over personal safety among the recipients.
Kozempel, a mother of three, expressed her unease and concern for her family’s security following the incident. She had previously sought to remove Bennett from his role as the council’s liaison to the school board, a request that was granted the day the allegations became public.
Looking ahead, the involved women are contemplating pursuing federal charges against Bennett and have called for his resignation from the council. Del Borrello stated that he would consider issuing an official statement regarding the matter in consultation with Mayor Anthony DellaPia and other council members. This unfolding situation reflects a broader context of conflict within the Washington Township School District and serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities and expectations of public officials.
As this story develops, it highlights the ongoing issues within local governance and the impact of personal conduct on community trust and cohesion.
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