By Police1 Staff
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — An officer and his accomplice have been charged for allegedly creating a scheme in which the cop was trying to frame his estranged cop wife for shooting him, Philly.com reported.
The officer, Robert Penn, was shot in the shoulder March 2 at his home. Penn, 48, then allegedly had his friend, Charles Mays, 49, call the Daily News and leave an anonymous tip implicating the officer’s estranged wife, Jennifer. Mays said in the message that he had been hired by Jennifer, who is also a police officer, to shoot Penn.
The Daily News presented their findings to detectives, who were able to identify Mays. Mays then told detectives a different story - that he had not shot Penn, did not conspire with Penn’s wife, and had called the news organization at Penn’s request.
It has not been determined who shot Penn and the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities have cleared Jennifer of any wrongdoing, the publication reported.
“There is no evidence that his wife was involved in any way,” assistant district attorney Sybil Murphy said to the news site.
Penn told authorities he didn’t see who shot him but the shooter allegedly remarked, “This is for your wife.”
Penn has been on desk duty since his arrest on July 14.
Mays has been charged with making a false report, conspiracy and obstruction. Penn faces the same charges with added criminal solicitation to make false reports.