Philadelphia Police Sergeant Jailed For Hiding Computer Files From Feds
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia police have suspended a sergeant after a federal judge jailed him on a contempt charge for refusing to turn over personal computer files.
The department suspended 36-year-old Francis Rawls on Tuesday for 30 days with intent to dismiss, calling his conduct unbecoming of an officer.
Rawls remains jailed at a federal detention center in Philadelphia. His lawyer didn't immediately return a message Wednesday.
Investigators say the 17-year police veteran failed to unlock certain files on personal computer devices that were the subject of a federal search warrant.
Court records list the devices as Rawls' Apple Mac Pro and Mac Mini computers, iPhone 6 Plus and several external hard drives.
Investigators didn't say what they were looking for. Rawls has not been charged in connection with the investigation.
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