NJ Councilman Charged With Harassment After Anonymous Letters To School Board Members: PD

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — A South Jersey councilman turned himself in Wednesday after harassment charges related to anonymous letters sent to school board members, police said.

Washington Township Council Member Richard Bennett was charged with two counts of harassment and two counts of forgery.

The charges arose after unsigned, harassing letters were sent to two Washington Township Board of Education members using the board president's return address, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Board Members Patricia Blome and Connie Baker filed civilian criminal complaints against Bennett, accusing him of sending them the letters.

The letters called the recipients evil, stupid and dishonest, according to the Inquirer.

"You are a disgrace!" one of the letters said in handwriting, followed by a typed message reading "God is watching your action!!!" the Inquirer says.

The charges against Bennett were signed by Washington Township police after they consulted with the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.

After turning himself in, Bennett was processed by police and then released, pending a future court appearance.

Bennett did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment.

The allegations come during a period of turmoil for the Washington Township School District, following the suspension of Superintendent Dr. Eric Hibbs.

The school board voted to suspend Hibbs with pay in March and did not provide a reason during the packed board meeting in which parents and staff sought answers.

Bennett, a Republican, was re-elected to council last year. His term runs through 2028.