Anthony Villanueva, then 25, after leaving U.S. District Court in Trenton in an April 2019 file photo.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Med. They cannot resort to excessive force in performing their duties. 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. You can explore additional available newsletters here. A police aide rushed to try to help subdue Singletary, who allegedly elbowed Villanueva during the altercation. 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. A number of officers went around to the other side of the fence, including one officer equipped with a body camera. A lock ( Villanueva was fired last year and faces a separate federal charge for allegedly pepper spraying a man in a police holding cell. Villanueva was assigned to TPD lockup after. The federal case against them was initially scheduled for trial in 2020, but has been repeatedly postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ballarotto said his client is being unfairly vilified as a rogue cop, and he believes the ex-TPDer will get cleared. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. The arrest of Inman happened a day after the city introduced new police director Sheilah Coley. All rights reserved, Philly POPS Musicians Disappointed' by Recent Moves, Trump Supporters Get Parole in Philadelphia Weapons Case, Check Your Change! 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. 10, 2022 - 4:46 PM. All rights reserved (About Us). They punched him numerous times while Washington cried out, stop hitting me, and youve got my hands.. The video also captured Villanueva bragging about the arrest later on a phone call. While the man complied with further police demands, Villanueva punched him in the face and Inman tackled him to the ground, according to investigators. Have a question about Government Services? The indictment was unsealed on Tuesday, and they were both scheduled to appear in court Tuesday afternoon. 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 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. Capt. Both defendants are charged with one count aiding and abetting one another to deprive a man of his civil rights. On appeal from the New Jersey Civil Service . There are 400+ professionals named "Anthony Villanueva", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. "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. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Trenton, NJ. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. District of New Jersey 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. Accountability starts from the top.. Inman is not charged in the Singletary incident. April 23, 2019 / 6:49 PM A-4302-18T3 (App. Inman and Kieffer III are white and Villanueva is Hispanic. Inmans lawyer has declined to comment. "It's a question of respect. They cannot resort to excessive force in performing their duties. 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. Video of the incident showed Singletary strolling unaccompanied down the hall leading to the jail cells and entering the cell. Search the most comprehensive statewide database of police use of force in the U.S. 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. Personally, its devastating to him, Hes got a family. Villanueva and Inman appeared in federal court Tuesday. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Both Inman and Villanueva were granted unsecured bail on Tuesday, meaning they can go home. 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. They are accused of assaulting a man during a traffic stop in 2017. The false records counts each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. 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. Anthony Villanueva leaves the federal courthouse in Trenton in this April 2019 file photo. The indictment also recounted Villanuevas Nov. 28, 2017 encounter with Quaree Singletary inside TPD headquarters. The gun-toting drug dealers in Trenton are probably throwing a party tonight since he was taken off the street. 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. 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. The video includes body cameras from three officers, but not from Villanueva or Inman. 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 lawsuit faults Parrey, who is no longer police director, for not flagging Villanuevas pattern of unreasonable force.. She sounded indignant as she discussed her decades-long struggle to help clients who described being beaten up and abused by TPD officers. provided by mercer county prosecutors office, Chanzie Washington's mugshot after being arrested April 9, 2017. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. I believe that if my client gets a fair hearing he wont be charged.. Both men are charged with aiding and abetting one another to deprive a man of his civil rights. They are charged with violating Washington's civil rights and falsifying police reports to characterize him as the aggressor. Its inbred all over. "It's perfectly proper the way he handled himself," Villanueva's attorney, Jerome Ballarotto, said. |. The attorney argued that Trenton Police leave their officers unequipped far too often. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Pa. Woman Went Missing in 1992 and Declared Dead. Anthony Villanueva and Drew Inman are charged with assault in the 2017 arrest of Chanzie Washington. 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. A Trenton police officer and his former colleague have pleaded not guilty to federal charges they violated a man's civil rights during a violent traffic stop. Hearing Impaired: 856-968-4983 On April 9, 2017, Chanzie Washington, of Trenton, fled a routine traffic stop on foot, according to authorities. They cannot resort to excessive force in performing their duties. However, the lawsuit painted Singletary as a blameless victim. In the footage below, the officers are heard yelling at Washington. Another officer ordered Washington to climb over the fence toward him. 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. In the second incident, Villanueva is charged with depriving a man of his civil rights and obstruction of justice. As Singletary headed toward his cell and the door closed behind him, the cop sprayed him with the stinging mace, affecting nearby prisoners. 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. Citations Copy Citation. On Tuesday, Villanueva was arrested by the FBI at his home. The appeals court fully backed the OAL judge, Jeff Masin, in his findings that Villanueva was properly terminated. 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. Thats his gun, his physical strength and his courage.. TRENTON, NJ - Two Trenton police officers have been arrested by federal agents and charged with assault and obstruction of justice, authorities announced on Tuesday. Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. Her first official day isnt till May 1. The man who the officers arrested is no longer in jail and his eluding and obstruction charges were later dropped. By The Newnan Times-Herald. The sound picks up after Washington is already on the ground in the first two videos. Court: SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY APPELLATE DIVISION. Singletary has said he was visited by fed who wanted to know more about the altercation with Villanueva. 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. Body camera footage showed Villanueva tracking down, tackling and punching Felton in the head twice from behind following a foot chase in March 2017. Aerotek Mark Anthony Villanueva 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 appropriate departmental administrative actions will be taken, he said. As I reached for the phone, Singletary smacked my hand out of the way.. Villanueva, who was standing on the same side of the chain-link fence, suddenly appeared out of nowhere, the feds alleged. 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. Villanueva also faces three civil lawsuits from Washington, Singletary, and Salaam Felton. Like our content? Former officer Anthony Villanueva and current officer Drew Inman appeared in federal court Tuesday afternoon. On November 28, 2017, Villanueva was on duty at the Trenton Police Department Detention Center. Villanuevas charges also related to his macing of a suspect in police lockup in 2017, according to the six-count indictment. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. California residents do not sell my data request. And then you have the old regime supervising these people. . 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. 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. Villanueva and Inman were each ordered released on $50,000 unsecured bonds with conditions. EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Valley Forge Military Academy Cadet Speaks To CBS3 About Alleged Verbal, Physical Abuse At Hands Of Students. His father was a police officer. Police work is difficult and dangerous, but officers need to respect the civil rights of the people they are policing, Carpenito said. Each man did not speak other than to acknowledge the judge when she advised them of their right to remain silent. Jan. 28, 2021) From Casetext: Smarter Legal Research. Inman, sporting the shaved-head look, was still attired in his Trenton Police garb of a black polo shirt and cargo pants. Trenton:609-989-2190 The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Lord is seeing her client Chanzie Washington's claims of police brutality vindicated. Villanueva and Inman, their hands shackled in front of them, appeared Tuesday afternoon before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni. 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: 609-989-2275. The former officer, Anthony Villanueva, was indicted by federal government for the 2017 incident on accusations he deprived the man of his civil rights. NBC10 obtained body cam footage of the incident. 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. Thats not what this was.. 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? Authorities say the driver involved in the stop fled in his vehicle and then on foot as officers pursued. He is also charged with additional civil rights and obstruction counts in connection to a separate incident in November 2017. Theres no evidence that he was punched at that side of his face.. 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. Body cam footage was released of two Trenton Police officers who are accused of assaulting a man while they were arresting him even though he complied with their demands. Villanueva, 25, of Ewing, and Inman, 25, of Hamilton, are both charged with one count of aiding and abetting one another to deprive a man of his civil rights. ANTHONY VILLANUEVA, CITY OF TRENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT. Villanueva is charged with two counts of obstruction while Inman is charged with one count of obstruction in connection to the incident. Its inbred in the academy. Trenton attorney Robin Lord represents Washington, Singletary and a third man, Saalam Felton, in separate lawsuits. 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. Mayor Reed Gusciora said he was made aware of the arrests but declined to comment beyond that. . 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. 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 Dougherty believes the city made a pile of mistakes investigating Villanueva, including not interviewing his client or his supervising sergeant. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. In re Villanueva. Full title: IN THE MATTER OF ANTHONY VILLANUEVA, CITY OF TRENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT. 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. 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. NBC10 obtained body cam footage of the incident.. 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. He only had three things. Bongiovanni ordered the government to turn over to the defense the names of any witnesses and victims so there wasnt any confusion. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. That came one day after they made their initial court appearances and were each released on $50,000 bail. 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. It isn't entirely clear what is happening in the third video, which was shot from a distance. 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. Cannon , Che' Anthony Berry 10/29/1996 2105 Foust St - Chattanooga, TN Cannon , Courtney Leighann 8/15/1991 3254 Plaza Cir - Chattanooga, TN Cannon , Ira 10/20/1996 . Inman, who is the son of Hamilton cop Daniel Inman, was later caught on bodycam bragging about the vicious assault saying that he beat the sh** out of Washington, then another officer pointed to his bodycam to cut him off. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. It aint no joke. Man In Easter Bunny Suit Involved In Florida Brawl Wanted In New Jersey For Car Burglaries. Body cam footage obtained by NBC10 shows the man on the ground and crying out in pain while officers are on top of him. 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 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.. Official websites use .gov Hearing Impaired: 973-645-6227 Villanuevas attorney, Jerome Ballarotto, insists his client didnt punch the man however. Thats what the video shows. 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.. Villanueva is charged with two counts of obstruction, and Inman with one count of obstruction, in connection with that incident. Mar. The man was eventually surrounded by the officers and complied when he was ordered to put his hands in the air, officials said. (VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED). Officers try to subdue Quaree Singletary during a lengthy struggle in police lockup. 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. TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) -- Two Trenton police officers are now in trouble with the law. Without issuing any warning or command, defendant Villanueva moved swiftly towards victim 1 and punched victim 1 in the face, the indictment states. Swung his arm around his neck and brought him to the ground, he said. The violation of civil rights counts each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Officer Anthony Villanueva sprays Quaree Singletary with mace during a lengthy struggle in TPD lockup. 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 and ex-officer Anthony Villanueva are accused of assaulting a man who was complying with their demands. 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). 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. He allegedly later completed an incident report that contained numerous false statements to conceal his conduct. All say they were beaten up by Villanueva. The man tells the officers, Stop hitting me in my face.". Attorneys Molly Lorber, Joseph Gribko and Ray Mateo of the U.S. Attorney=s Office Criminal Division in Trenton in the criminal case. An arrest constitutes only the initiation of charges, and those arrested are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law. Its inbred in internal affairs. 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. Ballarotto said his client cooperated with the feds and testified at an administrative law hearing. 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 Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The Newnan Times-Herald. 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 indictment recounts the chase from start to finish, as Washington ended up at the banks of the Delaware and Raritan Canal. be arrested and re-processed. Villanueva went back to headquarters to help process Washington. 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. 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. I never want to be maced again in my life, Singletary previously told this newspaper. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 lawsuit, brought by attorneys Robin Lord and Clifford Bidlingmaier, was filed in state court March 29, more than a year after Singletarys encounter with the troubled ex-cop. Camden:856-757-5026 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. Washington jumped into the canal and swam to the opposite bank, climbing up a steep, brush-lined embankment near a parking lot. Officer Drew Inman and former city Officer Anthony Villanueva entered their pleas Wednesday during their arraignments in federal court. 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. Quaree Singletary engaged in a struggle with city cop Anthony Villanueva after Villanueva abruptly ended Singletary's phone call to relatives. That case is pending in federal court. Inman and Villanueva returned to the police station to prepare reports in connection with the victims arrest. 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. On Nov. 28, 2017, Villanueva pepper sprayed a prisoner who was confined to a holding cell at Trenton Police Headquarters, according to authorities. 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. 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. Sign up for NewsOne's email newsletter! This is not a Rodney King situation, he said. Washington complied, according to the indictment, and placed his hands on the fence. As I reached for the phone, Singletary smacked my hand out of the way.. He didnt have a flashlight. Villanueva was fired in June 2018 and was in the process of fighting to get his job back. All rights reserved (About Us). Villanueva grabbed a bottle of mace from the detention area. 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