State Police Face Contempt Hearing Over Withheld Dash Cam Footage

Footage allegedly shows troopers discussing how to handle a fatal crash involving an intoxicated officer.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A Middlesex County Superior Court judge will hear arguments on whether the Massachusetts State Police should face a fine for allegedly withholding dash camera footage from the night of a fatal cruiser crash. The footage, obtained by the Boston Herald, showed troopers discussing how to handle the situation involving State Police Sgt. Scott Quigley, the driver of the cruiser, who may have been intoxicated at the time. Defense attorneys for the Phan brothers, who are on trial for first-degree murder, say they never received this footage and are now accusing the State Police of a cover-up.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues of transparency and accountability within the Massachusetts State Police, as well as concerns about potential cover-ups of misconduct by law enforcement officers. The withheld footage could have major implications for the Phan brothers' murder trial, raising questions about prosecutorial misconduct.

The details

The dash cam footage, obtained by the Herald, showed State Police troopers deciding to delay an interview with Sgt. Quigley and worrying about the consequences he might face, with one officer saying "Unless he's s###-faced, I'm not worried." Allegations and hospital records have since surfaced that Quigley may have been intoxicated at the time of the fatal crash. Defense attorneys for the Phan brothers say they never received this footage, despite being told the State Police had performed a "diligent search" for all records related to the incident. The attorneys are now accusing the State Police of a cover-up and have filed a contempt motion, seeking a $100 fine and an additional search for records.

  • The fatal cruiser crash occurred in December 2023.
  • The contempt hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, 2026 at 2 p.m.

The players

Sgt. Scott Quigley

A Massachusetts State Police officer who was the driver of the cruiser involved in the fatal crash.

Lt. Jennifer Penton

The State Police officer who was investigating the crash that night and is now facing charges of manslaughter and perjury for a separate incident.

Billy, Billoeum, and Channa Phan

Brothers who are on trial for first-degree murder and are accusing the State Police of withholding evidence.

William Dolan

The attorney representing Channa Phan, who filed the contempt motion against the State Police.

Angelo Schettino

The man killed in the 2023 cruiser crash involving Sgt. Quigley.

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What they’re saying

“What I'm saying is that right now, it's not the time for an interview,”

— Lt. Jennifer Penton (Boston Herald)

“they don't even want me to come, like I'm not freaking IA,”

— Lt. Jennifer Penton (Boston Herald)

“They're looking out for him. Maybe they know it was his fault, and they're like, 'Woah woah woah, let's just wait.'”

— Lt. Jennifer Penton (Boston Herald)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to hold the Massachusetts State Police in contempt and impose a fine for allegedly withholding the dash cam footage.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing issues of transparency and accountability within the Massachusetts State Police, as well as concerns about potential cover-ups of misconduct by law enforcement officers. The withheld footage could have major implications for the Phan brothers' murder trial, raising questions about prosecutorial misconduct and the integrity of the criminal justice system.