Evidence Supported Conviction of Police Officer for Divulging an Eavesdropping Warrant
The First Department determined the evidence supported the conviction of a police officer for divulging the existence of an eavesdropping warrant. The warrant was issued in connection with an investigation of corrupt police officers. Defendant warned police officers about the warrant and cautioned them to be careful on the phone:
Penal Law § 250.20 states as follows: “A person is guilty of divulging an eavesdropping warrant when, possessing information concerning the existence or content of an eavesdropping warrant . . . , he discloses such information to another person . . .” The trial court, prior to rendering its verdict, explained that “knowledge, actual knowledge, is required[,]” and rejected the People’s argument that mere rumor would be enough to satisfy the requirements for the divulging count. On appeal, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the People, the evidence was sufficient for the trial court to conclude that defendant divulged information concerning the existence and content of an eavesdropping warrant … , and we see no reason to set the verdict aside as against the weight of the evidence … . People v Cobb, 2015 NY Slip Op 08498, 1st Dept 11-19-15