The video includes body cameras from three officers, but not from Villanueva or Inman. Theres no evidence that he was punched at that side of his face.. 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. Washington jumped into the canal and swam to the opposite bank, climbing up a steep, brush-lined embankment near a parking lot. TRENTON, NJ - Two Trenton police officers have been arrested by federal agents and charged with assault and obstruction of justice, authorities announced on Tuesday. 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. Have a question about Government Services? The indictment says Villanueva also lied on his report, a copy of which was obtained by this newspaper, intending to impede, obstruct, and influence the investigation. All Rights Reserved. The counts against both officers stem from a traffic stop on April 9, 2017, in Trenton. Villanueva was fired by the police department, and is the subject of three excessive force lawsuits, according to The Trentonian. He was also seen walking coming down the hall shaking the pepper spray as he approached Singletarys cell. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. Villanueva is charged with two counts of obstruction, and Inman with one count of obstruction, in connection with that incident. Search the most comprehensive statewide database of police use of force in the U.S. Authorities said Villanueva punched the driver in the face and Inman tackled him. Jan. 28, 2021) From Casetext: Smarter Legal Research. I dont want you back here because of a mistake. District of New Jersey When that trust is violated, it makes it more difficult for our fellow police officers and federal agents to maintain the community's confidence.. An official website of the United States government. 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. The lawsuit faults Parrey, who is no longer police director, for not flagging Villanuevas pattern of unreasonable force.. Lock 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. 970 Broad Street, 7th Floor 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. 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. The false records counts each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Villanueva and Inman knowingly made numerous misrepresentations, false statements and omissions in an effort to portray Victim 1 as the aggressor and an ongoing threat, the indictment says. Officer Anthony Villanueva sprays Quaree Singletary with mace during a lengthy struggle in TPD lockup. When that trust is violated, it makes it more difficult for our fellow police officers and federal agents to maintain the community's confidence.. Newark, NJ 07102, Newark:973-645-2700 TPD Officer Drew Inman, center, was caught on tape punching a suspect in the face while other cops placed him in cuffs. 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. Attorneys Molly Lorber, Joseph Gribko and Ray Mateo of the U.S. Attorney=s Office Criminal Division in Trenton in the criminal case. Inman and Villanueva were two of the officers caught on tape appearing to throw blows after Washington surrendered following a wild foot chase through the city. The video also captured Villanueva bragging about the arrest later on a phone call. NBC10 obtained body cam footage of the incident. Official websites use .gov The FBI was investigating Inman, former TPD officer Anthony Villanueva, and Mark Kieffer III in connection with the April 2017 arrest of Chanzie Washington. 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? 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., FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie called the cops actions a violation of trust., Civil rights violations are of great concern, particularly when the allegations involve a member of law enforcement, he said in a statement. Villanueva has several other issues pending from his four years on the Trenton police force, which all occurred in 2017. He allegedly later completed an incident report that contained numerous false statements to conceal his conduct. FBI arrests Trenton police officer at TPD, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), FBI arrests Trenton police officer at TPD headquarters in excessive force investigation, Fox News scandal, cable news, and how gullible we all are (JEFF EDELTSTEIN COLUMN), Tales of El Moreno in Puriscal Costa Rica (L.A. PARKER COLUMN), The BAPS Temple in Robbinsville is truly worth the trip (JEFF EDELSTEIN COLUMN), Trenton boys basketballs historic 29-win season ends in Group IV state semifinals, Lifelong bestfriends set to be first recreational cannabis business owners in Trenton, Two former Lawrenceville School housemasters accused of sexual abuse, Mayor Reed Gusciora along with multiple City Council members celebrate Mother-Son Duo in TFD, 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, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc set to host a political talk for Mercer County Executive Candidates, 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. You already receive all suggested Justia Opinion Summary Newsletters. Its inbred in the academy. 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. Anthony Villanueva leaves the federal courthouse in Trenton in this April 2019 file photo. He was fired in June 2018. The indictment was unsealed on Tuesday, and they were both scheduled to appear in court Tuesday afternoon. The charges and accusations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and Inman and Villanueva are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Villanueva was assigned to TPD lockup after. Washington complied, according to the indictment, and placed his hands on the fence. 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.. Inman, who was creeping from behind, tackled Washington to the ground as both officers repeatedly punched him while he screamed out in pain, Stop hitting me in the face, and youve got my hands, according to the indictment. 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. Aerotek Mark Anthony Villanueva Like our content? Both Inman and Villanueva were granted unsecured bail on Tuesday, meaning they can go home. They are charged with violating Washington's civil rights and falsifying police. Im hopeful there will be more to come.. Ballarotto said his client is being unfairly vilified as a rogue cop, and he believes the ex-TPDer will get cleared. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. 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 The arrest of Inman happened a day after the city introduced new police director Sheilah Coley. In the Trenton case, city cops Villanueva and Inman were hit in a six-count indictment that charged civilrights deprivation and falsifying police records. 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. He only had three things. So far no charges have been brought against Villanueva, who was cut loose by TPD last year. 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. We will have problems if you do.. 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. _____ Submitted January 12, 2021 - Decided Before Judges Haas, Mawla, and Natali. 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. Body camera footage showed Villanueva tracking down, tackling and punching Felton in the head twice from behind following a foot chase in March 2017. Trenton Police Officer Drew Inman and ex-officer Anthony Villanueva are accused of assaulting a man who was complying with their demands. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. That decision was then adopted by the states Civil Service Commission. In proceedings in the OAL and the appeals court, the judge found Villanuevas reporting on the incident was starkly different from parts of the incident caught on police security cameras. 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. Anthony Villanueva, Trenton Police Department Adam L. Wills, Pemberton Twp. On Tuesday, Villanueva was arrested by the FBI at his home. Washington and Salaam Felton, now of St. Charles, Missouri, also claimed in separate lawsuits they were beaten to a pulp by Villanueva. The incident was caught on body camera. 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. The charges carry up to 10 and 20 years in prison, respectively, and a maximum $250,000 fine if the cops are convicted, the feds said. Ballarotto said his client cooperated with the feds and testified at an administrative law hearing. 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. 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. I snuck up from behind him and just punched him, he just fell, Villanueva says, mocking Felton by quoting him, You didnt got to punch me man.. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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 However, the lawsuit painted Singletary as a blameless victim. Sign up for our free summaries and get the latest delivered directly to you. U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, with the investigation leading to todays indictment. 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. Villanueva is charged with two counts of obstruction while Inman is charged with one count of obstruction in connection to the incident. He didnt have a taser, he said. 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. 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. Singletary was charged with assaulting Villanueva. 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. The whole scuffle was caught on surveillance cameras and the footage was released to The Trentonian. Suicide Note Revealed After Shocking Death, Indicted! 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Sounds likeVillanueva was under the misconception that police solidarity may is the same if you are a person of color. Dougherty believes the city made a pile of mistakes investigating Villanueva, including not interviewing his client or his supervising sergeant. In the second incident, Villanueva is charged with depriving a man of his civil rights and obstruction of justice. The appropriate departmental administrative actions will be taken, he said. Stephen Varn, who is serving as acting police director while Lt. Chris Doyle is on vacation, confirmed Inmans arrest at TPD headquarters. The man was eventually surrounded by the officers and complied when he was ordered to put his hands in the air, officials said. Villanueva came up from Washingtons side and punched him in the face while Inman tackled him to the ground. There are 400+ professionals named "Anthony Villanueva", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. When that trust is violated, it makes it more difficult for our fellow police officers and federal agents to maintain the communitys confidence.. Hearing Impaired: 856-968-4983 As Singletary headed toward his cell and the door closed behind him, the cop sprayed him with the stinging mace, affecting nearby prisoners. Each man did not speak other than to acknowledge the judge when she advised them of their right to remain silent. Inman is still on restricted duty and Kieffer III is on the streets. 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. Get free summaries of new New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division - Unpublished Opinions opinions delivered to your inbox! 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. 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. The three civil suits, which name Villanueva, police officials and the city, are all pending, according to attorney Robin Lord who filed them with Clifford Bidlingmaier. Chanzie Washington was pummeled by cops during an arrest in April 2017. On April 9, 2017 in Trenton, New Jersey, Chanzie Washington allegedly led cops on a car chase and then ran on foot. Its a whole family of public servants in the city of Trenton, he said. 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. That came one day after they made their initial court appearances and were each released on $50,000 bail. DOCKET NO. Villanueva grabbed a bottle of mace from the detention area.