The maximum fine for each of the charges is $250,000. The video appeared to show Singletary slapping Villanuevas hand away from the phone. Singletary has said he was visited by fed who wanted to know more about the altercation with Villanueva. The indictment recounts the chase from start to finish, as Washington ended up at the banks of the Delaware and Raritan Canal. The public has an absolute right to trust that law enforcement will protect those they serve and keep them safe. Its a travesty for him, but also for the law abiding resident of the city of Trenton, at a time when we need good honest hard-working police officers who really want to the job and at the same time want to go home to their families at night without getting a bullet in the chest. TRENTON A Trenton police officer and a former colleague accused of assaulting a man during an arrest have pleaded not guilty to civil rights violations and obstruction of justice charges. An arrest constitutes only the initiation of charges, and those arrested are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law. Villanuevas charges also related to his macing of a suspect in police lockup in 2017, according to the six-count indictment. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Inman, sporting the shaved-head look, was still attired in his Trenton Police garb of a black polo shirt and cargo pants. Each man did not speak other than to acknowledge the judge when she advised them of their right to remain silent. Sounds likeVillanueva was under the misconception that police solidarity may is the same if you are a person of color. We will have problems if you do.. In a rare interview with a former cop still facing criminal charges for alleged use of excessive force, NJ Advance Media spoke to Villanueva who said he stands by his actions and followed his training and New Jersey Attorney Generals guidelines on the use of force each time. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The videos showing a now-fired Trenton police officer punching and tackling a man with his hands up and pepper-spraying another man in a locked jail cell dont lie, but Anthony Villanueva contends they dont tell the whole story. In his report, Villanueva claimed he told Singletary he needed to end the phone call and that, As I began to walk toward Singletary, he immediately began to tense up. Hearing Impaired: 856-968-4983 Villanueva, who graduated from the police academy in 2015, was caught on tape pummeling Washington as he stood with his hands up near a chain-link fence as Inman and Kieffer joined in the clash. Trenton Police Officer Drew Inman, 25, of Hamilton, New Jersey, and former Trenton Police Officer Anthony Villanueva, 25, of Ewing, New Jersey, are charged in a six-count indictment. Inman and Kieffer III are white and Villanueva is Hispanic. That decision was then adopted by the states Civil Service Commission. To justify their actions against the victim, Inman and Villanueva prepared and submitted false and fraudulent reports, in which they attempted to portray the victim as the aggressor and an ongoing threat. He is fighting to get his job back. On April 9, 2017, Chanzie Washington, of Trenton, fled a routine traffic stop on foot, according to authorities. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Police Department Kanifah M. Wood, Trenton Police Department Eric W. Woodrow, West Windsor Police Department. Third excessive force suit brought against, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Third excessive force suit brought against ex-Trenton cop Anthony Villanueva, Mayor Reed Gusciora along with multiple City Council members celebrate Mother-Son Duo in TFD, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc set to host a political talk for Mercer County Executive Candidates, Parkinsons symptoms eased by non-surgical procedure, study shows, Admiral Rachel Levine discusses the national opioid epidemic in talk at Kutztown University, Singletarys encounter with the troubled ex-cop, separate altercation months before with Chanzie Washington, Trenton boys basketballs historic 29-win season ends in Group IV state semifinals, The BAPS Temple in Robbinsville is truly worth the trip (JEFF EDELSTEIN COLUMN), Lifelong bestfriends set to be first recreational cannabis business owners in Trenton, Two former Lawrenceville School housemasters accused of sexual abuse, Joi Johnson leads Ewing girls basketball past Ocean City, back to Group III state title game, Pennington School teacher charged with having sex with 16-year-old student, Trentonian's Pet of the Week: Mia is at Trenton Animal Shelter, Burlington County Commissioners green light planning and design for additional roundabout in Chesterfield, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Villanueva later completed an incident report that contained numerous false statements designed to conceal his unlawful conduct and improper treatment of the prisoner. Anthony Villanueva leaves the federal courthouse in Trenton in this April 2019 file photo. Thats what the video shows. Family members and supporters sat stoically at the back of the courtroom; they declined to comment on the governments case against their loved ones, letting the attorneys to the talking after the hearing. Inmans lawyer has declined to comment. be arrested and re-processed. Passaic Clinton, Hunterdon Trenton, Mercer Tuckerton, Ocean Union Beach, Monmouth Union City, Hudson Union Township, . The sound picks up after Washington is already on the ground in the first two videos. Villanueva filed a written report later that night setting forth his account of what happened next. Personally, its devastating to him, Hes got a family. Villanueva filed 14 use-of-force reports in a two-year period, higher than the statewide average of 4.1 use-of-force reports per officer over a five-year period, according to NJ.coms reporting on statewide use-of-force records. Mar. Its inbred all over. There are 400+ professionals named "Anthony Villanueva", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. Sign up for our free summaries and get the latest delivered directly to you. Inman is not charged in the Singletary incident. NBC10 obtained body cam footage of the incident. Singletary and his attorneys may be banking on power in numbers. While Washington was complying, Villanueva punched him in the face. The indictment also recounted Villanuevas Nov. 28, 2017 encounter with Quaree Singletary inside TPD headquarters. The indictment says the booking photo, obtained by The Trentonian, showed Washington, who has sued over the beatdown, with a busted, bloodied lip, nose and swelling and brusing around his left eye. Officers try to subdue Quaree Singletary during a lengthy struggle in police lockup. Trenton Police Officer Drew Inman and ex-officer Anthony Villanueva are accused of assaulting a man who was complying with their demands. Villanueva maced Singletary while he was inside a cell after a dustup that started when, the cop claimed, Singletary refused to get off the phone. He didnt have a taser, he said. Full title: IN THE MATTER OF ANTHONY VILLANUEVA, CITY OF TRENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT. TRENTON, NJ - Two Trenton police officers have been arrested by federal agents and charged with assault and obstruction of justice, authorities announced on Tuesday. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Video footage from inside police lockup showed the entire struggle, beginning in the phone room when Villanueva attempted to end a call Singletary was on with relatives after he was arrested and taken to headquarters on a warrant. |. Trimboli & Prusinowski, LLC, attorneys for respondent City of Trenton . Authorities say the driver involved in the stop fled in his vehicle and then on foot as officers pursued. (VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED). The Singletary incident was included in a federal civil rights case the U.S. Attorneys Office brought against Villanueva and Trenton police officer Drew Inman. One of the officers, who has since left the Trenton Police Department, is charged with additional civil rights and obstruction counts for allegedly assaulting a second defendant while in a holding cell at Trenton Police Headquarters. Trenton Police Officer Drew Inman and former Trenton Police Officer Anthony Villanueva were charged in a six-count indictment two years after an incident in which they knocked a Trenton man to the ground during an arrest, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced. The capital city cops are accused of using excessive force against suspects Chanzie Washington and Quaree Singletary, during separate arrests, in April and November 2017. Investigators say Inman and Villanueva prepared and submitted false and fraudulent reports in order to justify their actions and portray the man as the aggressor and an ongoing threat. Villanueva is charged with two counts of obstruction while Inman is charged with one count of obstruction in connection to the incident. Villanueva was fired in June 2018 and was in the process of fighting to get his job back. If you encounter them, you need to promptly notify your [attorneys]. Both Inman and Villanueva were granted unsecured bail on Tuesday, meaning they can go home. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. As the cell door began to close and was almost shut, Villanueva sprayed the chemical agent inside. You dont want to come back here. Villanueva stated he intended to charge Q.S. Its a whole family of public servants in the city of Trenton, he said. The appropriate departmental administrative actions will be taken, he said. Div. The former officer and his attorney, George Dougherty, then went to the state courts Appellate Division, which on Thursday sided with the OAL judges 40-page decision. Villanueva was fired by the police department, and is the subject of three excessive force lawsuits, according to The Trentonian. He is also charged with additional civil rights and obstruction counts in connection to a separate incident in November 2017. TRENTON - A third man who says he was beat up by fired Trenton cop Anthony Villanueva has finally filed suit against the former cop and ex-police director Ernest Parrey Jr., who is. Villanueva is charged with two counts of obstruction, and Inman with one count of obstruction. The man was eventually surrounded by the officers and complied when he was ordered to put his hands in the air, officials said. The beginning of the videos dont include sound until after Washington is struck, so it is unclear what led the officers to tackle Washington to the ground. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. The indictment was unsealed on Tuesday, and they were both scheduled to appear in court Tuesday afternoon. Attorneys Molly Lorber, Joseph Gribko and Ray Mateo of the U.S. Attorney=s Office Criminal Division in Trenton in the criminal case. Court: SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY APPELLATE DIVISION. Michigan Department of Corrections via AP Law enforcement officials on Tuesday named Anthony Dwayne McRae, a 43-year-old resident of Lansing, Michigan, as the suspect in the overnight shooting at Michigan State University that took the lives of three students and wounded five others. Almost immediately thereafter, defendant Villanueva strode quickly down the corridor after victim 2, towards Cell 7, carrying a can of Oleoresin Capsicum, also known as OC spray or pepper spray., It goes on to say Villanueva reached through the bars and sprayed OC spray into Cell 7, while victim 2 attempted to shield himself with a mattress.. Her first official day isnt till May 1. All the charges against Felton were later dropped. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. While the man was complying with further police commands, Villanueva approached the man and punched him in the face and Inman tackled the man to the ground. His father was a police officer. Anthony Villanueva, then 25, after leaving U.S. District Court in Trenton in an April 2019 file photo.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Med. Both men are charged with aiding and abetting one another to deprive a man of his civil rights. Bongiovanni ordered the government to turn over to the defense the names of any witnesses and victims so there wasnt any confusion. It aint no joke. Villanueva was fired last summer after repeated instances of excessive force, and three of his accuser have since filed suit against him and the department. 3/5/2023 6529843 reed anthony 3/5/2023 6391927 reyes ignacio 3/5/2023 6553956 rodriguez jonatan 3/5/2023 6547498 salinas ricardo . Inman was arrested at the Trenton Police Station Tuesday morning and is now suspended. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) -- Two Trenton police officers are now in trouble with the law. (Image via YouTube) TRENTON, NJ - Two Trenton police officers have been arrested by. Chanzie Washington was pummeled by cops during an arrest in April 2017. Lord was pleased somebody from law enforcement was paying attention and holding these officers accountable for their criminal conduct. In a rare interview with a former cop still facing criminal charges for alleged use of excessive force, NJ Advance Media spoke to Villanueva who said he stands by his actions and followed his. It was not immediately clear if that charge was dropped. Both defendants are charged with one count aiding and abetting one another to deprive a man of his civil rights. The indictment describes the assault like this: Victim 2 walked calmly, unescorted, into a cell denoted in Trenton Police Department records as Cell 7, and the door to Cell 7 began to close behind him, locking him in. I never want to be maced again in my life, Singletary previously told this newspaper. Investigators said he pepper sprayed a defendant while in a holding cell area of Trenton police headquarters. Thats his gun, his physical strength and his courage.. The charges and accusations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and Inman and Villanueva are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Mayor Reed Gusciora said he was made aware of the arrests but declined to comment beyond that. Villanueva was fired by Trenton police last summer for an alleged pattern of excessive force. District of New Jersey Villanueva was assigned to TPD lockup after. To justify their actions, authorities said Inman and Villanueva prepared false and fraudulent reports in which they portrayed Washington as the aggressor and an ongoing threat. Villanueva arrested Felton in March 2017 following a foot pursuit following a reported shooting. Villanueva, who has since left the police department, is also charged with assaulting a prisoner in a separate incident. Marielle Franco, Radical Black Female Politician, Executed In Brazil, Megachurch Pastor Says Believing Jesus Is The Only Way To Heaven Is Insanity, 'Dilbert' Comic Creator Calls Black People A 'Hate Group,' Urges Segregation So Whites Can 'Escape', Bernie Mac Show Star Camille Winbush Is Not Ashamed Of Joining OnlyFans, Kyle Rittenhouse Faces 2nd Civil Lawsuit, Continues To Beg For Money From His Supporters, Ben Stein's 'Aunt Jemima' Rant Is A Master Class On White Privilege, Why Did tWitch Kill Himself? Hearing Impaired: 973-645-6227 Villanueva and Inman, their hands shackled in front of them, appeared Tuesday afternoon before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni. Villanueva has several other issues pending from his four years on the Trenton police force, which all occurred in 2017. Trenton:609-989-2190 The public has an absolute right to trust that law enforcement will protect those they serve and keep them safe. A locked padlock They punched him numerous times while Washington cried out, stop hitting me, and youve got my hands.. A Trenton police officer and a former colleague accused of assaulting a man they were arresting have both been charged with obstruction of justice and violating the man's civil rights Skip to content Sunday, December 25, 2022 Villanueva also faces three civil lawsuits from Washington, Singletary, and Salaam Felton. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, adopted by the states Civil Service Commission, Villanueva and Trenton police officer Drew Inman. Anthony Villanueva, Trenton Police Department Adam L. Wills, Pemberton Twp. Villanueva wore all black, his lean frame topped by a mop of curly jet black hair. Body cam footage obtained by NBC10 shows the man on the ground and crying out in pain while officers are on top of him. All say they were beaten up by Villanueva. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). I know its a small community, the judge told the defendants. The incident was recorded on other officers body cams. In the second incident, Villanueva is charged with depriving a man of his civil rights and obstruction of justice. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Jersey, Two Trenton Police Officers Charged with Civil Rights Violations, Obstruction of Justice, U.S. Attorneys Office Reaches Settlement with Ocean County Nail Salon to End Disability Discrimination, Statement Of U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, Former Hillsborough Township School District Official Admits To Paying Kickbacks For Illegal Overtime Payments, Two Trenton Police Officers Charged With Civil Rights Violations, Obstruction of Justice. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On April 9, 2017, a Trenton man involved in a routine traffic stop fled in his vehicle and then on foot and was pursued by Trenton police officers. As I reached for the phone, Singletary smacked my hand out of the way.. His report on that incident included a number of false statements in an attempt to hide his unlawful conduct and improper treatment of the prisoner, authorities said. Inman and Villanueva then punched the man numerous times, while he cried out in pain, and told officers, stop hitting me in my face, and youve got my hands.. Ballarotto said his client is being unfairly vilified as a rogue cop, and he believes the ex-TPDer will get cleared. California residents do not sell my data request. Villanueva was fired last year and faces a separate federal charge for allegedly pepper spraying a man in a police holding cell. TRENTON A third man who says he was beat up by fired Trenton cop Anthony Villanueva has finally filed suit against the former cop and ex-police director Ernest Parrey Jr., who is accused of not doing enough to crack down on rogue cops. "In this situation, he did not elect to draw his weapon, it stayed in the holster and he brought the guy down to the ground and handcuffed him," Ballarotto said. Two Trenton officers involved in arresting Washington after a foot chase in April of 2017 are now facing federal charges. The attorney argued that Trenton Police leave their officers unequipped far too often. On Nov. 28, 2017, Villanueva pepper sprayed a prisoner who was confined to a holding cell at Trenton Police Headquarters, according to authorities. Officer Anthony Villanueva sprays Quaree Singletary with mace during a lengthy struggle in TPD lockup. Villanueva argued in his appeal, among other arguments, that the OAL erred by finding that he violated state policy on using pepper spray, and Trenton police failed to conduct an adequate investigation before terminating his employment. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. A police aide rushed to try to help subdue Singletary, who allegedly elbowed Villanueva during the altercation. TPD Officer Drew Inman, center, was caught on tape punching a suspect in the face while other cops placed him in cuffs. They cannot resort to excessive force in performing their duties. All rights reserved (About Us). Another officer ordered Washington to climb over the fence toward him. A New Jersey appeals court has affirmed the 2018 firing of a Trenton police officer terminated for pepper spraying a suspect inside a jail cell. Body cam video acquired by The Trentonian shows an officer, seemingly unprovoked, punch Washington in the head and tackle Washington to the ground, where he was punched even more. The maximum fine for each of the charges is $250,000. Villanueva, who was standing on the same side of the chain-link fence, suddenly appeared out of nowhere, the feds alleged. Villanueva also faces charges in connection to another incident in which he allegedly pepper sprayed a defendant in a holding cell. Villanuevas attorney, Jerome Ballarotto, insists his client didnt punch the man however. Aerotek Mark Anthony Villanueva Date published: Jan 28, 2021. Trenton Police Officer Drew Inman, 25, of Hamilton, New Jersey, and former Trenton Police Officer Anthony Villanueva, 25, of Ewing, New Jersey, are charged in a six-count indictment that was returned by a federal grand jury on April 18, 2019, and unsealed today. This is not a Rodney King situation, he said. Without issuing any warning or command, defendant Villanueva moved swiftly towards victim 1 and punched victim 1 in the face, the indictment states. Villanueva and Inman were among this group. On Nov. 28, 2017, Villanueva, who had been assigned to work in the holding cell area of Trenton Police Headquarters, sprayed Oleoresin Capsicum (commonly referred to a pepper spray) on a prisoner who was confined in a holding cell. That came one day after they made their initial court appearances and were each released on $50,000 bail. The counts against both officers stem from a traffic stop on April 9, 2017, in Trenton. Stephen Varn, who is serving as acting police director while Lt. Chris Doyle is on vacation, confirmed Inmans arrest at TPD headquarters. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Docket #: 1879852 Defendant: CHANDLER , ANTHONY Charge: DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE Arresting Officer: MORTON, STONEY #012, Complaint #: A 029285G 2022 Arrest Date: 7/3/2022 Presiding Judge: ABLES, LARRY Division: 3 Court Room: 3 CJUS8023 Hamilton County General Sessions Court - Criminal Division Trial Docket 3/1/2023 Page No: 3 ar_Master_Docket Villanueva is also charged with depriving a second man of his civil rights in a separate incident, and with obstruction related to that second incident. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Video of the incident showed Singletary strolling unaccompanied down the hall leading to the jail cells and entering the cell. You already receive all suggested Justia Opinion Summary Newsletters. The department found Villanueva violated policy, and charged him internally with conduct unbecoming a public employee and misconduct for the improper use of the spray, and later submitting a false report about the incident. At no time during this encounter did the plaintiff harass, or threaten the defendants, nor engage in any conduct, which in any way justified the excessive force used by defendants.. The man tells the officers, Stop hitting me in my face.". EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Valley Forge Military Academy Cadet Speaks To CBS3 About Alleged Verbal, Physical Abuse At Hands Of Students. A number of officers went around to the other side of the fence, including one officer equipped with a body camera. TPD officers were on the other side waiting for Washington, who immediately gave himself up and raised his hands in the air, the indictment says. So far no charges have been brought against Villanueva, who was cut loose by TPD last year. The violation of civil rights counts each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. On appeal from the New Jersey Civil Service . Dougherty believes the city made a pile of mistakes investigating Villanueva, including not interviewing his client or his supervising sergeant. Washington also got decked in the face by a Villanueva haymaker after he appeared to surrender to cops from behind a chain-link fence after a long chase. 970 Broad Street, 7th Floor He didnt have a flashlight. I believe that if my client gets a fair hearing he wont be charged.. Ballarotto said his client cooperated with the feds and testified at an administrative law hearing. I dont want you back here because of a mistake. Jan. 28, 2021) From Casetext: Smarter Legal Research. My eyes burned for like two, three days.. Villanueva came up from Washingtons side and punched him in the face while Inman tackled him to the ground. Its inbred in the academy. You're all set! Officer Drew Inman and former city Officer Anthony Villanueva entered their pleas Wednesday during their arraignments in federal court.

Humboldt State Athletic Director, Articles A