Authorities say the executive director of Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers could face two weeks in jail for eating an anonymous tip instead of handing it over to a judge.
NBC Miami reports that Richard Masten was asked to turn information about a cocaine possession case over to Judge Victoria Brennan on Friday, but opted to tear the piece of paper up and devour it in court.
Masten said his bold, hilarious move was done because he was afraid the tipster's identity might be revealed. "We promise the people who give us information to solve murders, serious violent crimes in this community, that they can call with an assurance that they will remain anonymous and that nothing about them or their information would ever be compromised," he explained.
"The case today started creeping into that... it’s not going to happen on my watch and I understood the consequences."
Brennan found Masten in contempt of court. He'll appear again next week, and could be sentenced to two weeks in jail. Fully aware of the repercussions, he doesn't sound too concerned about being sentenced. "I’ll bring a toothbrush and some pajamas in case I do," he told NBC Miami.
[via NBC Miami]
