Colonial Regional police officer charged in domestic violence case resigns

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

A Colonial Regional police officer who was charged in a domestic violence case last month has resigned from the force, a department official said this afternoon.

Dean Benner, 42, of Northampton handed in his letter of resignation Tuesday, said Colonial Regional police Chief Roy Seiple. Benner told Seiple he wanted to put some things behind him and "get on with his life," Seiple said.

Benner was charged Aug. 19 with simple assault and harassment for an off-duty domestic dispute in Nazareth during which he allegedly pushed and threw his wife, court records say. Those charges are pending and Benner is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Sept. 28 before District Judge John Capobianco in Nazareth.

Benner does not have a listed phone number and his attorney, Mark Minotti, did not respond to a phone message and an e-mail sent Thursday afternoon.

Benner's resignation came the same day as he was to speak with Colonial Regional police administration for their internal investigation of the domestic matter, Seiple said. Benner came in with his legal representation and handed in the letter, Seiple said.

"I think it's a good resolution," Seiple said.

Benner had worked for the department since November 1995, Seiple said.


http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/nazareth/index.ssf/2011/09/colonial_regional_officer_char.html