Philadelphia Police Dispatcher Charged With Taking Bribes

On Friday morning, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Philadelphia announced that four people have been charged in a conspiracy involving bribes and tow truck drivers. Among those charged: 44-year-old Philadelphia police dispatcher Dorian Parsley.

According to the indictment in the case, over a nearly three-year period beginning in February 2011, Parsley allegedly gave tow truck drivers confidential police information in exchange for cash. The information, which included accident locations and vehicle registration information, gave the tow truck drivers an unfair advantage over their competition, claims the indictment.

One driver, Stepfon Flowers of K&B Auto Body, allegedly gave Parsley $100 to $150 per week for the tips. Both Flowers and Parsley were charged with honest services fraud, in addition to the conspiracy. Also charged with conspiracy: K&B Auto Body owner William Cheeseman and K&B driver Chad Harris.

From an announcement by the U.S. Attorney’s office:

Parsley would surreptitiously text information that came into PPD dispatch from her personal cellphone directly to those tow truck operators. For an additional cash fee, Parsley allegedly agreed to provide certain tow truck operators with the name and address of a vehicle owner by running the license plate and vehicle registration through the PPD dispatch computer. PPD computers automatically access the National Crime Information Center (“NCIC”) located in West Virginia when a vehicle registration was inputted.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey has suspended Parsley for 30 days with the intent to dismiss.