Nine Philly Officers Charged in Youth Program Theft Scheme

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Nine current and former Philadelphia police officers face criminal charges for allegedly accepting payments from a youth mentorship program while collecting city paychecks during their scheduled shifts.

The officers, mostly from the 22nd District, are accused of taking funds from “Guns Down, Gloves Up,” a youth boxing initiative created after the COVID-19 pandemic to provide a safe outlet for local children.

Of the nine officers, five are active duty, and four have retired or left the department before the charges were filed. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel has suspended the active officers for 30 days, intending to dismiss them following the criminal charges.

The active-duty officers facing dismissal include Officer Brittanie Crockett, Officer Daniel Moll, Officer Janae McDonald, Officer Mark DiGenio, and Officer Michael Minor. They are charged with conspiracy, theft, and receiving stolen property.

The four former officers charged are Capt. Nashid Akil, Police Officer George Gee, Police Officer Robyn Gee, and Police Officer LaCarmela Fortune.

Dwayne Fletcher, founder of Guns Down, Gloves Up, commented on the situation, saying, “Today was a good and a bad. The good was we put a stop to the crookedness with the cops stealing people’s brands, then misusing it and damaging it.” He expressed concern that many people might confuse the program’s message.

Commissioner Bethel described the situation as “deeply troubling,” stating, “All Philadelphia police officers are expected to maintain the highest level of professional and ethical standards. However, I am particularly disappointed by the involvement of a former commanding officer.”

The investigation into the officers began in 2023. Since then, the active-duty officers have been placed on administrative duty, but with criminal charges filed, they are set for termination. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is managing the criminal proceedings.