Former Minneapolis police official, Derek Chauvin, could stand to receive over $1 million in pension benefits during his retirement even if he is convicted of killing George Floyd, per CNN.
Floyd, a black man, was arrested by Minneapolis police on Monday, May 25, for reportedly using a counterfeit $20 note in a store. While being detained, ex-cop Derek Chauvin - a 19-year veteran of the force - knelt on his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds.
Chauvin faces charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter, while the three other arresting officers have been charged with aiding and abetting murder.
However, according to the publication, Chauvin - who has since been fired from the department where he had worked since 2001 - could still benefit from a pension partly funded by taxpayers.
As CNN details, while several states in the US allow for the forfeiture of pensions for those who are convicted of felony crimes in their line of duty, this is not the case in Minnesota.
The Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association confirmed that the 44-year-old would be eligible to file for his pension as early as age 50, though they did not disclose what specific amount he could receive.
Chauvin's lawyer has reportedly declined to comment.
Retirement plan officials disclosed that employees who are let go voluntarily or for just cause can claim future benefits unless they choose to forfeit this, and receive a refund of all the contributions made during their time at work.
"Neither our Board nor our staff have the discretion to increase, decrease, deny or revoke benefits," a spokesperson explained. "Any changes to current law would need to be done through the legislative process."
This comes after one of the four Minneapolis police officers charged over the killing of George Floyd has been released from jail after posting bail.
37-year-old Thomas Lane is one of the three officers charged with aiding and abetting in connection with the death of Floyd. The other two officers, Tou Thao and J Alexander Keung, currently remain in jail.
Lane is believed to have held down Floyd's legs, while Keung held him down on his back, and Chauvin knelt on his neck.
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