Commissioner Ramsey Speaks On Investigation Of Gov. Corbett's Son-In-Law
By Walt Hunter
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Officer Gerold Gibson, the son-in-law of governor Tom Corbett who was present two years ago at the governor's inauguration, has been removed from street duty and could be thrown off the force, pending results from an investigation by the Police Internal Affairs Bureau and the FBI.
The Police Internal Affairs Bureau and FBI allegedly caught the 17-year police veteran in a "sting," taking $145 in marked money from what he thought was a drug suspect's car.
"This is something that's unfortunate, but at the same time, we'll take the action that we have to take," says Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey.
He says he ordered the investigation into Gibson, who works for the Narcotics Unit, after Gibson's fellow officers alerted him to their suspicions that he was removing money and other items from crime scenes.
"I think a positive is that members of our own department are the ones that originally brought this to our attention and that says an awful lot about their integrity," says Ramsey.
Governor Tom Corbett did not respond to requests for comment Thursday evening, but a statement issued hours later read:
"I was surprised and concerned to learn about the allegations regarding my son-in-law Gerold Gibson. Susan and I continue to give our family our love and support."
There was no response at Gibson's home. City records reveal Gibson, who does not face any criminal or departmental charges, earned $62,210 last year, with 23,325 hours of overtime last year and 1,435 hours of overtime so far this year.
"I think we all sympathize with what the governor is probably going through," says Former Governor Ed Rendell.
He expressed support for Corbett and his family, saying he doesn't believe the controversy will impact Corbett's campaign for reelection.
