George Floyd death: Derek Chauvin could receive US$1.5 million pension despite charges

news.com.au

12 Jun, 2020 07:00 PM2 mins to read

Derek Chauvin is facing murder charges for the death of George Floyd. Photo / AP

The former cop filmed kneeling on George Floyd's neck until he died could be eligible for up to US$1.5 million (NZ$2.3m) in pension benefits, US media report.

The former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder over the death of George Floyd could receive almost US$1.5 million (NZ$2.3m) in pension benefits in retirement, even if convicted of murder according to US media reports.

Derek Chauvin, 44, has been sacked from the force and charged with second-degree murder after he was filmed kneeling on George Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes until he could no longer breathe, despite his protests.

Derek Chauvin is facing murder charges for the death of George Floyd. Photo / AP

CNN claims that Minnesota, where the incident occurred, does not allow pensions for employee to be forfeited because of felony crimes related to their work.

The Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association confirmed to CNN Chauvin would remain eligible to file for his pension once he reached 50 – though it did not specify the amount he would get.

Chauvin had more than a dozen misconduct complaints against him before he put his knee on George Floyd's neck.

George Floyd, who died after police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck. Photo / AP

The association said employees remain eligible for future benefits even if their contract is terminated.

"Neither our board nor our staff have the discretion to increase, decrease, deny or revoke benefits," a spokeswoman told CNN. "Any changes to current law would need to be done through the legislative process."

Chauvin's lawyer declined to comment on the issue.

It's been reported Chauvin could be eligible for about US$50,000 (NZ$77,000) a year if he started receiving benefits at age 55 according to the network's analysis taking his tenure and pension data into account.

This combination of photos provided by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office in Minnesota on June 3 shows, from left, J Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao. Photo / AP

Four of the police present at Floyd's death are facing charges. Thomas Lane and J Alexander Kueng were rookie cops, but Tou Thou could also be eligible for pension payments.