Civic News

Website alleges coverup of City Council President Darrell Clarke’s daughter’s drug bust

The ease -- and sometimes, the anonymity -- of publishing online has given rise to websites that range from catty rumor mills to reliable alternative news sources (see: The Real Alan Butkovitz, restaurant industry gossip blog Staph Meal, Philadelinquency).

City Council President Darrell Clarke and his daughter, Nicole Bright.

An anonymous website alleges foul play in the case of City Council President Darrell Clarke‘s daughter’s drug bust. The WordPress website, which posts city records to back up its story, claims that Clarke’s daughter walked free while her fiance and co-defendant was convicted and is now serving 3-10 years in Graterford prison.

Updated: Clarke spokeswoman Jane Roh has confirmed that Clarke’s daughter was dismissed of any wrong-doing by the city district attorney’s office and rejected that any political influence was involved in the decision or the speed with which it came.

The claims are part of an increasing series of self-styled whistleblowers and allegations of mismanagement coming out of the city’s District Attorney’s office led by Seth Williams.

The ease — and sometimes, the anonymity — of publishing online has given rise to websites that range from catty rumor mills to reliable alternative news sources (see: The Real Alan Butkovitz, restaurant industry gossip blog Staph Meal, citizen journalist outfit Philadelinquency). What’s more, tipsters no longer have to go through a reporter to be heard.

Visit the website here.

See the City Paper’s story on the issue hereThe City Paper has removed its article on the topic.

 

Updated 7/16/13 @ 2:43 p.m.: The CityPaper story which prompted this item has since been removed, but the focus here of the trend in anonymous sites making claims about public officials and disclosing public documents remains relevant. Additionally, rejection of these claims by a Clarke spokeswoman has been added to the story.
Companies: City of Philadelphia
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