anthony villanueva trenton policeanthony villanueva trenton police

Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Med. Villanueva appealed his firing to the states Office of Administrative Law (OAL), which in May 2019, following testimony against him from fellow officers, upheld the termination. 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.. 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 also faces charges in connection to another incident in which he allegedly pepper sprayed a defendant in a holding cell. 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. 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. Search the most comprehensive statewide database of police use of force in the U.S. A lock ( He only had three things. Villanueva was assigned to TPD lockup after. The Newnan Times-Herald. 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. When that trust is violated, it makes it more difficult for our fellow police officers and federal agents to maintain the communitys confidence.. 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. 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. In the second incident, Villanueva is charged with depriving a man of his civil rights and obstruction of justice. Kieffer III, the son of Capt. 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. Singletary was charged with assaulting Villanueva. Villanueva came up from Washingtons side and punched him in the face while Inman tackled him to the ground. Villanueva, who was standing on the same side of the chain-link fence, suddenly appeared out of nowhere, the feds alleged. The incident was caught on body camera. 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. Dougherty believes the city made a pile of mistakes investigating Villanueva, including not interviewing his client or his supervising sergeant. 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. FAX:973-645-2702 Inman is still on restricted duty and Kieffer III is on the streets. 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.. Villanueva was fired in June 2018 and was in the process of fighting to get his job back. He is also charged with additional civil rights and obstruction counts in connection to a separate incident in November 2017. Trenton, GA Cureton , Phillip Lebron 2/15/1977 9846 W Ridge Trail Rd - Soddy Daisy, TN Curington , Jessica Lee 9/28/1979 You dont want to come back here. Trenton Police department was aware of the the investigation and cooperated fully with federal authorities. The violation of civil rights counts each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. 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. 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. Villanuevas attorney, Jerome Ballarotto, insists his client didnt punch the man however. Former officer Anthony Villanueva and current officer Drew Inman appeared in federal court Tuesday afternoon. Video of the incident showed Singletary strolling unaccompanied down the hall leading to the jail cells and entering the cell. Villanuevas lawyer said the only people who should be happy about the charges are gang members, gun carriers, and drug sellers. 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., 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. 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. Chanzie Washington was pummeled by cops during an arrest in April 2017. The former officer, Anthony Villanueva, was. All Rights Reserved. Authorities say the driver involved in the stop fled in his vehicle and then on foot as officers pursued. 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. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Newark, NJ 07102, Newark:973-645-2700 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. Trenton Police Officer Drew Inman and ex-officer Anthony Villanueva are accused of assaulting a man who was complying with their demands. Washington and Salaam Felton, now of St. Charles, Missouri, also claimed in separate lawsuits they were beaten to a pulp by Villanueva. 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. Anthony Villanueva, then 25, after leaving U.S. District Court in Trenton in an April 2019 file photo.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Med. 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. Her first official day isnt till May 1. As I reached for the phone, Singletary smacked my hand out of the way.. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. 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). Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 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. 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. On April 9, 2017 in Trenton, New Jersey, Chanzie Washington allegedly led cops on a car chase and then ran on foot. The federal case against them was initially scheduled for trial in 2020, but has been repeatedly postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Villanueva was fired by the police department, and is the subject of three excessive force lawsuits, according to The Trentonian. The video includes body cameras from three officers, but not from Villanueva or Inman. 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. Sign up for our free summaries and get the latest delivered directly to you. 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. Trenton attorney Robin Lord represents Washington, Singletary and a third man, Saalam Felton, in separate lawsuits. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. A number of officers went around to the other side of the fence, including one officer equipped with a body camera. Officer Drew Inman and former city Officer Anthony Villanueva entered their pleas Wednesday during their arraignments in federal court. Attorney Robin Lord is seeing her client Chanzie Washington's claims of police brutality vindicated. 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. The former officer, Anthony Villanueva, was indicted by federal government for the 2017 incident on accusations he deprived the man of his civil rights. He didnt have a flashlight. Thats what the video shows. TRENTON, N.J. Two Trenton police officers have been charged with civil rights and obstruction of justice charges for allegedly assaulting a man they were arresting, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today. The arrest of Inman happened a day after the city introduced new police director Sheilah Coley. Court: SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY APPELLATE DIVISION. NBC10 obtained body cam footage of the incident. When that trust is violated, it makes it more difficult for our fellow police officers and federal agents to maintain the community's confidence.. 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. Mayor Reed Gusciora said he was made aware of the arrests but declined to comment beyond that. You can explore additional available newsletters here. 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. Suicide Note Revealed After Shocking Death, Indicted! Quaree Singletary engaged in a struggle with city cop Anthony Villanueva after Villanueva abruptly ended Singletary's phone call to relatives. (Image via YouTube) TRENTON, NJ - Two Trenton police officers have been arrested by. All Rights Reserved. The public has an absolute right to trust that law enforcement will protect those they serve and keep them safe. 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. Villanueva arrested Felton in March 2017 following a foot pursuit following a reported shooting. The indictment recounts the chase from start to finish, as Washington ended up at the banks of the Delaware and Raritan Canal. 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. The charges and accusations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and Inman and Villanueva are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Both Inman and Villanueva were granted unsecured bail on Tuesday, meaning they can go home. 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. Mar. 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. Inman and Villanueva returned to the police station to prepare reports in connection with the victims arrest. 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. Katz & Dougherty, LLC, attorneys for appellant Anthony Villanueva (George T. Dougherty , on the briefs). The attorney argued that Trenton Police leave their officers unequipped far too often. Racist Ex-University Of Kentucky 'Karen' Sophia Rosing Is Charged For Assaulting Black Student, Mississippi Cops Beat, Waterboarded Handcuffed Black Men, Shot 1 For Dating White Women': Lawyers. 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.. Have a question about Government Services? Stephen Varn, who is serving as acting police director while Lt. Chris Doyle is on vacation, confirmed Inmans arrest at TPD headquarters. 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. He was fired in June 2018. . Ballarotto said his client cooperated with the feds and testified at an administrative law hearing. 970 Broad Street, 7th Floor 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. 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Like our content? It was not immediately clear if that charge was dropped. Trimboli & Prusinowski, LLC, attorneys for respondent City of Trenton . Swung his arm around his neck and brought him to the ground, he said. 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. All the gun-toting drug dealers in Trenton are all gonna be happy tonight that Anthonys no longer a police officer, Ballarotto said. The video also captured Villanueva bragging about the arrest later on a phone call. Inmans lawyer has declined to comment. 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. 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? They cannot resort to excessive force in performing their duties. Singletary has said he was visited by fed who wanted to know more about the altercation with Villanueva. 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. Official websites use .gov 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. 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. 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. You already receive all suggested Justia Opinion Summary Newsletters. "It's perfectly proper the way he handled himself," Villanueva's attorney, Jerome Ballarotto, said. Each man did not speak other than to acknowledge the judge when she advised them of their right to remain silent. TRENTON, NJ - Two Trenton police officers have been arrested by federal agents and charged with assault and obstruction of justice, authorities announced on Tuesday. Citations Copy Citation. 10, 2022 - 4:46 PM. Inman then charged at Washington and tackled him from behind, and joined Villanueva in repeatedly punching Washington in the face, according to the indictment against them. Inman and Kieffer III are white and Villanueva is Hispanic. Former Trenton police officer Anthony Villanueva, left, when he graduated from the police academy in a 2015 file photo, and Trenton police officer Drew Inman, right, at his graduation. 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 According to Trentonian , 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. Anthony Villanueva, Trenton Police Department Adam L. Wills, Pemberton Twp. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. Villanueva, who was eventually fired by the city department and is fighting to get his job back, had been pulled off the streets and re-assigned to lockup following a separate altercation months before with Chanzie Washington. Officer Anthony Villanueva sprays Quaree Singletary with mace during a lengthy struggle in TPD lockup. Villanueva is charged with two counts of obstruction, and Inman with one count of obstruction, in connection with that incident. 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. 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. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. I dont want you back here because of a mistake. Villanueva grabbed a bottle of mace from the detention area. "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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Without issuing any warning or command, defendant Villanueva moved swiftly towards victim 1 and punched victim 1 in the face, the indictment states. The video shows a fence separated Washington from most of the officers, who had their guns trained on him. Man In Easter Bunny Suit Involved In Florida Brawl Wanted In New Jersey For Car Burglaries. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to [email protected]. Attorneys Molly Lorber, Joseph Gribko and Ray Mateo of the U.S. Attorney=s Office Criminal Division in Trenton in the criminal case. Those cops beat the living sh** out of Rodney King, and those cops overstepped their bounds. 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. The maximum fine for each of the charges is $250,000. 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. There are 400+ professionals named "Anthony Villanueva", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. Camden:856-757-5026 He was assisted that night by a police aide (the aide). Villanueva wore all black, his lean frame topped by a mop of curly jet black hair. 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. Two Trenton officers involved in arresting Washington after a foot chase in April of 2017 are now facing federal charges. 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. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. Felton said in suit that he was beaten so badly during his arrest he suffered bleeding on the brain and other injuries. Footage from the incident that was obtained by The Trentonian via public records request can be seen below. Quaree Singletary uses a bed mattress to shield himself from mace during a struggle in TPD lockup. Inman is not charged in the Singletary incident. 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. Villanueva stated he intended to charge Q.S. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The incident was recorded on other officers body cams. As Singletary headed toward his cell and the door closed behind him, the cop sprayed him with the stinging mace, affecting nearby prisoners. Villanueva, who has since left the police department, is also charged with assaulting a prisoner in a separate incident. 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. In re Villanueva. Please enter valid email address to continue. He is fighting to get his job back. They punched him numerous times while Washington cried out, stop hitting me, and youve got my hands.. Washington complied, according to the indictment, and placed his hands on the fence. 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. 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. Villanueva has several other issues pending from his four years on the Trenton police force, which all occurred in 2017. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. They cannot travel outside of the U.S., must surrender passports and firearms and avoid contact with victims and witnesses in the case, and with each other, when theyre outside the presence of their attorneys. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. So far no charges have been brought against Villanueva, who was cut loose by TPD last year. My eyes burned for like two, three days.. The counts against both officers stem from a traffic stop on April 9, 2017, in Trenton. Thats his gun, his physical strength and his courage.. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Pa. Woman Went Missing in 1992 and Declared Dead. When that trust is violated, it makes it more difficult for our fellow police officers and federal agents to maintain the community's confidence.. District of New Jersey 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. On April 9, 2017, Chanzie Washington, of Trenton, fled a routine traffic stop on foot, according to authorities. Its inbred all over. Anthony Villanueva and Drew Inman are charged with assault in the 2017 arrest of Chanzie Washington. With your experience, Im sure youre familiar with your Fifth Amendment rights, Bongiovanni said during the 10-minute court appearance. Trenton police officers chased him down. Passaic Clinton, Hunterdon Trenton, Mercer Tuckerton, Ocean Union Beach, Monmouth Union City, Hudson Union Township, . The indictment was unsealed on Tuesday, and they were both scheduled to appear in court Tuesday afternoon. The man was eventually surrounded by the officers and complied when he was ordered to put his hands in the air, officials said. I feel that although [the arrests] are a positive step toward change, its too little too late, she said. They cannot resort to excessive force in performing their duties. FAX: 856-968-4917 It isn't entirely clear what is happening in the third video, which was shot from a distance. |. 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

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