Villanueva, who was standing on the same side of the chain-link fence, suddenly appeared out of nowhere, the feds alleged. They cannot resort to excessive force in performing their duties. Investigators said he pepper sprayed a defendant while in a holding cell area of Trenton police headquarters. The arrest of Inman happened a day after the city introduced new police director Sheilah Coley. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The counts against both officers stem from a traffic stop on April 9, 2017, in Trenton. Kieffer III, the son of Capt. Officer Anthony Villanueva sprays Quaree Singletary with mace during a lengthy struggle in TPD lockup. Singletary, who is no stranger to cops having been arrested multiple times, told The Trentonian in a previous interview he remembered asking Villanueva why he ended his call. Villanueva stated he intended to charge Q.S. They both face more than 30 years in prison if convicted on all counts. DOCKET NO. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Valley Forge Military Academy Cadet Speaks To CBS3 About Alleged Verbal, Physical Abuse At Hands Of Students. Trenton Police department was aware of the the investigation and cooperated fully with federal authorities. Trenton attorney Robin Lord represents Washington, Singletary and a third man, Saalam Felton, in separate lawsuits. 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). 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. This is not a Rodney King situation, he said. 3/6/2023 6352640 villanueva gonz george 3/6/2023 6522314 wilson steven 3/7/2023 6548196 carrillo carlos 3/7/2023 6523835 davis rodney . Suicide Note Revealed After Shocking Death, Indicted! Search the most comprehensive statewide database of police use of force in the U.S. An anonymous cop from the department toldTrentonian that the police department is painting Anthony as the villain., Villanueva has hired an attorney who said,Ive already made plans to defend him on these charges, but theres no sense putting on my battle gear before the battle starts. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. According toTrentonian,the Trenton Police Department is setting up the Hispanic cop, Officer Anthony Villanueva, as the sole fall guy and Villanueva was placed on restricted duty within a week, but Inman remained on the streets for more than a month before being placed on restriction. As of last month,Villanueva was suspended without pay. TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) -- Two Trenton police officers are now in trouble with the law. "It's a question of respect. The video shows a fence separated Washington from most of the officers, who had their guns trained on him. Villanuevas lawyer said the only people who should be happy about the charges are gang members, gun carriers, and drug sellers. (VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED). Singletary picked up a bed mat to shield himself from the mace, pushing past the cop as he ran toward the detention area, before he was finally retained and handcuffed. The Trentonian reported on those dustups, both of which were caught on tape. A Trenton police officer and a former colleague accused of assaulting a man they were arresting have pleaded not guilty to civil rights and obstruction of justice counts. Like our content? The lawsuit faults Parrey, who is no longer police director, for not flagging Villanuevas pattern of unreasonable force.. The video also captured Villanueva bragging about the arrest later on a phone call. Footage from the incident that was obtained by The Trentonian via public records request can be seen below. At no point during this encounter with the defendant did the plaintiff strike, attempt to strike, or intend to strike any of the defendant police officers or any other officer or the law, the lawsuit said. You dont want to come back here. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. They are charged with violating Washington's civil rights and falsifying police. Inman is not charged in the Singletary incident. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Officer Drew Inman and former officer Anthony Villaneuva face six counts of civil rights violations and obstruction of justice in the arrest of suspect Chanzie Washington in 2017 and Quaree Singletary in 2017. The false records counts each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The only way to eradicate the excessive abuse in the Trenton police department is by firing them all and starting all over again, she said. Enter the name of a police department or an officer: Press to expand search. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. Villanueva has several other issues pending from his four years on the Trenton police force, which all occurred in 2017. He didnt have a taser, he said. Yo, why would you do that, he recalled saying. 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. But they will be back in court Wednesday morning where both men are expected to plead not guilty and go to trial later this year. Two Trenton officers involved in arresting Washington after a foot chase in April of 2017 are now facing federal charges. 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. One part of the video shows Inman punching the suspect before bragging to the person recording the video, saying, I beat the living sh*t he stops when the other officer points to his body camera. 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. Villanueva later completed an incident report that contained numerous false statements designed to conceal his unlawful conduct and improper treatment of the prisoner. All Rights Reserved. The whole scuffle was caught on surveillance cameras and the footage was released to The Trentonian. Without issuing any warning or command, defendant Villanueva moved swiftly towards victim 1 and punched victim 1 in the face, the indictment states. NBC10 obtained body cam footage of the incident.. Mark Kieffer Jr., was not charged in the indictment and not mentioned by name. The violation of civil rights counts each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. be arrested and re-processed. Villanueva and Inman, their hands shackled in front of them, appeared Tuesday afternoon before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni. He was also seen walking coming down the hall shaking the pepper spray as he approached Singletarys cell. provided by mercer county prosecutors office, Chanzie Washington's mugshot after being arrested April 9, 2017. Passaic Clinton, Hunterdon Trenton, Mercer Tuckerton, Ocean Union Beach, Monmouth Union City, Hudson Union Township, . He is also charged with additional civil rights and obstruction counts in connection to a separate incident in November 2017. The incident was caught on body camera. In the footage below, the officers are heard yelling at Washington. When that trust is violated, it makes it more difficult for our fellow police officers and federal agents to maintain the community's confidence.. Villanueva faces additional charges for allegedly assaulting a prisoner who was in a holding cell. A six-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Trenton last week, unsealed Tuesday, charged Villanueva and Inman with deprivation of civil rights under color of law and falsifying police records. Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. Dougherty believes the city made a pile of mistakes investigating Villanueva, including not interviewing his client or his supervising sergeant. If you encounter them, you need to promptly notify your [attorneys]. As I reached for the phone, Singletary smacked my hand out of the way.. Inman and Kieffer III are white and Villanueva is Hispanic. . 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.. The appropriate departmental administrative actions will be taken, he said. Police work is difficult and dangerous, but officers need to respect the civil rights of the people they are policing, U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. The charges and accusations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and Inman and Villanueva are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The city of Trenton police officers, the majority of them, do not have any respect for the citizens, they just absolutely do not," Lord said. Have a question about Government Services? Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. (Image via YouTube) TRENTON, NJ - Two Trenton police officers have been arrested by. Villanueva came up from Washingtons side and punched him in the face while Inman tackled him to the ground. Div. 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. FAX: 856-968-4917 The appeals court fully backed the OAL judge, Jeff Masin, in his findings that Villanueva was properly terminated. Swung his arm around his neck and brought him to the ground, he said. Mar. Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Med. He allegedly later completed an incident report that contained numerous false statements to conceal his conduct. An arrest constitutes only the initiation of charges, and those arrested are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law. Ballarotto said his client cooperated with the feds and testified at an administrative law hearing. On appeal from the New Jersey Civil Service . Lock 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. 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. The man tells the officers, Stop hitting me in my face.". Villanueva and Inman were among this group. Authorities say the driver involved in the stop fled in his vehicle and then on foot as officers pursued. In November 2017, Villanueva fired a can of chemical spray at Quaree Singletary inside a Trenton police holding cell while the cell door was closing, and then 24-year-old Singletary was inside. Bongiovanni ordered the government to turn over to the defense the names of any witnesses and victims so there wasnt any confusion. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. They are accused of assaulting a man during a traffic stop in 2017. All the charges against Felton were later dropped. The maximum fine for each of the charges is $250,000. My eyes burned for like two, three days.. The man who the officers arrested is no longer in jail and his eluding and obstruction charges were later dropped. They are charged with violating Washington's civil rights and falsifying police reports to characterize him as the aggressor. Villanueva was fired last year and faces a separate federal charge for allegedly pepper spraying a man in a police holding cell. They cannot resort to excessive force in performing their duties. He only had three things. Man In Easter Bunny Suit Involved In Florida Brawl Wanted In New Jersey For Car Burglaries. You're all set! The public has an absolute right to trust that law enforcement will protect those they serve and keep them safe. As I reached for the phone, Singletary smacked my hand out of the way.. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division - Unpublished Opinions, New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division - Unpublished Opinions Decisions. Sounds likeVillanueva was under the misconception that police solidarity may is the same if you are a person of color. The charges against both men stem from an April 2017 traffic stop in Trenton. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Incidents like these erode the publics confidence in law enforcement, and make policing harder for everyone whose job it is to keep our communities safe., Civil Rights violations are of great concern, particularly when the allegations involve a member of law enforcement, FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie said. 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.. Washington ran from police during a traffic stop and when officers caught up with him at a fence, they ordered him to raise his arms and then climb over the fence, authorities allege. Each man did not speak other than to acknowledge the judge when she advised them of their right to remain silent. 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.. Jerome Ballarotto, Villanuevas attorney, confirmed the FBI went to his clients house in Ewing around 6 a.m. and arrested him at gunpoint, terrorizing his wife and children. As the cell door began to close and was almost shut, Villanueva sprayed the chemical agent inside. 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. Washington jumped into the canal and swam to the opposite bank, climbing up a steep, brush-lined embankment near a parking lot. The Trenton Police Department has punished a number of officers accused of conduct unbecoming a public servant since the turn of the century, culminating with the recent firing of patrol. On Nov. 28, 2017, Villanueva pepper sprayed a prisoner who was confined to a holding cell at Trenton Police Headquarters, according to authorities. Villanueva went back to headquarters to help process Washington. Villanueva was fired by Trenton police last summer for an alleged pattern of excessive force. When the police caught him, Washington was brought to the ground, and was then punched several times by three different police officers: Drew Inman, Antony Villanueva andMark Kieffer III. _____ Submitted January 12, 2021 - Decided Before Judges Haas, Mawla, and Natali. The video appeared to show Singletary slapping Villanuevas hand away from the phone. Villanueva described it this way in a report after he said he told Singletary he needed to end the phone call: As I began to walk toward Singletary, he immediately began to tense up. Villanueva, who has since left the police department, is also charged with assaulting a prisoner in a separate incident. The video includes body cameras from three officers, but not from Villanueva or Inman. 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. On November 28, 2017, Villanueva was on duty at the Trenton Police Department Detention Center. I dont want you back here because of a mistake. Trenton, NJ. 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. Personally, its devastating to him, Hes got a family. The FBI was investigating Inman, former TPD officer Anthony Villanueva, and Mark Kieffer III in connection with the April 2017 arrest of Chanzie Washington. 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. Official websites use .gov TPD Officer Drew Inman, center, was caught on tape punching a suspect in the face while other cops placed him in cuffs. Inman and Villanueva returned to the police station to prepare reports in connection with the victims arrest. provided by mercer county prosecutors office, Chanzie Washington's mugshot after being arrested April 9, 2017. Ballarotto said his client is being unfairly vilified as a rogue cop, and he believes the ex-TPDer will get cleared. Singletary has said he was visited by fed who wanted to know more about the altercation with Villanueva. 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. She Was Just Found in Puerto Rico, Chris Rock to Address Will Smith's Slap in First Stand-Up Since Last Year's Oscars, New Jersey Bill Seeks to Ban Sale of Baby Wipes. April 23, 2019 / 6:49 PM He was fired in June 2018. 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. Incidents like these erode the publics confidence in law enforcement, and make policing harder for everyone whose job it is to keep our communities safe., Civil Rights violations are of great concern, particularly when the allegations involve a member of law enforcement, FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie said. Officers try to subdue Quaree Singletary during a lengthy struggle in police lockup. Inman has been with the department a little more than two years and makes more than $57,000 in annual salary. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Camden:856-757-5026 TRENTON City police officer Drew Inman was arrested Tuesday morning by the FBI as part of an investigation targeting former and current officers over allegations of use of excessive force. I believe that if my client gets a fair hearing he wont be charged.. Felton said in suit that he was beaten so badly during his arrest he suffered bleeding on the brain and other injuries. 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. Im hopeful there will be more to come.. He plans to appeal to the state Supreme Court. Main Office: Thats not what this was.. TRENTON, NJ - Two Trenton police officers have been arrested by federal agents and charged with assault and obstruction of justice, authorities announced on Tuesday. 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. I feel that although [the arrests] are a positive step toward change, its too little too late, she said. Villanueva was assigned to TPD lockup after. Washington and Salaam Felton, now of St. Charles, Missouri, also claimed in separate lawsuits they were beaten to a pulp by Villanueva. TRENTON - City police officer Drew Inman was arrested Tuesday morning by the FBI as part of an investigation targeting former and current officers over allegations of use of excessive force.. Inmans lawyer has declined to comment. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. The former officer, Anthony Villanueva, was. Villanueva and Inman were each ordered released on $50,000 unsecured bonds with conditions. Hearing Impaired: 973-645-6227 Villanueva is charged with two counts of obstruction, and Inman with one count of obstruction. Police Department Kanifah M. Wood, Trenton Police Department Eric W. Woodrow, West Windsor Police Department. The violation of civil rights counts each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. 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. In the second incident, Villanueva is charged with depriving a man of his civil rights and obstruction of justice. The unsecured bonds didnt require the cops or their families to plunk down cash or property to secure their releases, but they are required to show up for arraignment Wednesday morning. 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 Officer Drew Inman and former city Officer Anthony Villanueva entered their pleas Wednesday during their arraignments in federal court. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Singletary and Villanueva who at last word was being looked at by the feds over allegations of repeated use of excessive force got into it with each other in police lockup over a phone call. Villanueva claimed Singletary assaulted him during a phone call from jail, then had a long struggle to get him back in a jail cell and handcuffed, forcing him to use pepper spray. Anthony Villanueva, Trenton Police Department Adam L. Wills, Pemberton Twp. Sign up for our free summaries and get the latest delivered directly to you. All rights reserved (About Us). Singletary, describing the horrible burning pain he experienced after getting maced, explained he asked to go to the hospital but was instead given water to flush out his eyes and throat. FAX:973-645-2702 Villanueva wore all black, his lean frame topped by a mop of curly jet black hair. Her first official day isnt till May 1. 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. His father was a police officer. The public has an absolute right to trust that law enforcement will protect those they serve and keep them safe. The attorney argued that Trenton Police leave their officers unequipped far too often. Ballarotto plans to hire a police expert to testify that the officer's physicality was within the law. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. In the Trenton case, city cops Villanueva and Inman were hit in a six-count indictment that charged civilrights deprivation and falsifying police records. Singletary, who also sued Villanueva and the department over his treatment that day, told the newspaper in a previous interview his eyes burned for like two, three days after he was maced. Its inbred in them. Its inbred in the academy. A lock ( And then you have the old regime supervising these people. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. First published on April 23, 2019 / 6:49 PM. Those cops beat the living sh** out of Rodney King, and those cops overstepped their bounds. A police aide rushed to try to help subdue Singletary, who allegedly elbowed Villanueva during the altercation. 11 Powerful Images At The Womens March 2018, Your email will be shared with newsone.com and subject to its, Every Receipt Proving Candace Owens Is A Con Artist Who Is Following The Money, Celebrating The Black History Of Memorial Day, Never Forget: Obamas Tan Suit Media Firestorm Was 7 Years Ago Today. See Average Property Tax Bill In Lawrence Township, Per New Data, Catholics In Diocese Of Trenton Can Eat Meat On St. Patrick's Day, Head-Shaving Event At Lawrence Restaurant To Raise Funds For Cancer, Office Furniture & Soft Seating Liquidation Sale, NJ Camp Fairs at Menlo Park Mall Mar 4, 2023 - FREE to Attend (12-3PM), Protect Your Home from Ticks with Yard Guard from Viking Pest, AMC Theatres In NJ To Base Pricing Off Where You Sit, The Poop On Free-Range Cats And Your Lawn And Garden [Block Talk]. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The two appeared to exchange words in the soundless video moments before tempers flared. 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. Sign up for NewsOne's email newsletter! 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). "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. So far no charges have been brought against Villanueva, who was cut loose by TPD last year. Villanuevas charges also related to his macing of a suspect in police lockup in 2017, according to the six-count indictment.
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