Could have record cleared; Borough Council may vote on reinstatement on April 2
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Scott Neuhaus
PHILADELPHIA — A Downingtown police officer charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct following an incident at a city strip club will be offered the opportunity to enter a diversionary program that, upon completion, could expunge his record.
Scott Neuhaus appeared at a status hearing Monday morning in city Municipal Court — which lasted about 90 seconds total — and agreed to enter into the city’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program for first-time offenders. A composed and calm Neuhaus, who attended the hearing with his wife Jill, declined comment, referring it to his attorney, Fortunato Perri.
Perri said that he expected his client to enter into the program — although the details had not been determined. He also said that he did not think that Neuhaus’ employment would be at risk, assuming completion of the diversionary program.
Neuhaus has been on paid leave from the Downingtown Police Department, pending an investigation that was completed, Downingtown Police Chief James R. McGowan III said on Monday. McGowan said a disciplinary agreement would likely come before Borough Council at its April 2 meeting. “I would expect Officer Neuhaus will be returning to active duty based on the disciplinary agreement,” McGowan said, adding that he could not disclose its contents.
The charges stem from a Feb. 8 incident. At that time, police said that Neuhaus had been involved in a domestic assault and resisted arrest at Delilah’s, a Philadelphia club which bills itself as “a gentlemen’s club and steak house.”
