Even if Derek Chauvin is convicted of killing George Floyd, he could likely still collect pension benefits totaling more than $1 million during his retirement years, CNN reports.
The former Minneapolis police officer was charged with killing Floyd after video of him kneeling on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes during an arrest went viral last month.
Chauvin was fired from the department and charged with second-degree murder. Three other officers involved in the incident were also fired and face criminal felony charges.
Even if Chauvin is convicted, the Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association told CNN he would still be able to file for his pension benefits when he turns 50. Chauvin is 44. He started working for the police force in 2001.
The retirement association did not confirm how much money Chauvin would receive in benefits, according to CNN.
Some states allow for the forfeiture of pension for employees convicted of felony crimes related to their work, but Minnesota does not follow that protocol.
“Neither our Board nor our staff have the discretion to increase, decrease, deny or revoke benefits," a spokeswoman for the retirement association told CNN. "Any changes to current law would need to be done through the legislative process."
A retirement plan official said employees, who are fired with or without cause, are eligible for future benefits unless they opt to forgo future benefits and receive a refund on their contributions made during their employment instead.
According to a CNN analysis based on Chauvin’s tenure, payroll information, contract terms and other employment information, the network estimates that Chauvin would likely be eligible for annual payments totaling at least $50,000 if he opted for them at age 55.
Over 30 years, he could receive more than $1.5 million, according to CNN’s analysis.
One of the other officers involved in Floyd’s death could also be eligible for pension benefits, CNN reports. The other two officers were rookies.
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