A Washington Township councilman is facing multiple charges after allegedly sending anonymous, disparaging letters to two local school board members while using the return address of the board president, authorities confirmed Friday.
Richard Bennett, a member of the township council, has been accused of harassment, impersonation, falsification, and hindering apprehension in civilian criminal complaints filed by school board members Patricia Blome, Connie Baker, and board president Julie Kozempel.
The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office acknowledged the complaints and stated they would be reviewed.
The allegations arise amid ongoing tensions within the Washington Township School District, which has been divided over budgetary disputes and the suspension of Superintendent Eric Hibbs.
According to a police report, investigators traced the letters to a post office in Sewell, a section of Washington Township.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed Bennett mailing the letters and paying for postage. The letters, dated May 12, bore Kozempel’s return address but were unsigned.
Blome and Baker stated they received the letters on May 14 and promptly reported them to authorities.
Both described the correspondence as containing harsh insults, including accusations of dishonesty, incompetence, and “playing games with the superintendent’s job.”
The letters also demanded their resignations.
One included a handwritten note reading, “You are a disgrace!” followed by a typed message stating, “God is watching your action!!!”
Blome, a retired kindergarten teacher, expressed disbelief at being targeted, while Baker described the incident as crossing a line beyond typical political disagreements. Kozempel, whose address was used without her knowledge, voiced concerns for her family’s safety.
Council President Peter Del Borrello III said he was “shocked and saddened” by the allegations and confirmed Bennett had been removed as the council’s liaison to the school board.
Rather than calling for his Republican colleague’s resignation, Del Borrello defended the politician and cited personal challenges Bennett has been facing, although he claimed an official response would follow discussions with Mayor Anthony DellaPia and other council members.
Washington Township Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik confirmed the completion of a criminal investigation and advised complainants to file charges directly through municipal court.
Kozempel indicated that she, Blome, and Baker also intend to pursue federal charges against Bennett and have called for his resignation from the council.
Bennett, when contacted for comment, denied involvement, stating, “I have no knowledge of it.” He declined further discussion, citing prior commitments.
The case highlights escalating tensions in the township’s local government, with officials and residents awaiting further developments as legal proceedings unfold.