Cops Involved In Randy Cox Case Charged By State Police After Probe

NEW HAVEN, CT — Five New Haven police officers turned themselves into Connecticut State Police Monday morning in connection with the Randy Cox case, state police said. All five have been charged with misdemeanors, state police said.

Richard "Randy" Cox, 37, of New Haven, was arrested on June 19 at a Juneteenth block party, and then thrown about in a police paddy wagon, resulting in paralysis, according to a video released by the police department. When he arrived at the police jail, and while unable to move, he was manhandled by officers, video shows and the city and police department admit.

Cox is suing for $100 million.

New Haven police Sgt. Betsy Segui, 40, officer Oscar Diaz, 54, officer Ronald Pressley, 56, officer Jocelyn Lavandier, 35, and officer Luis Rivera, 40, were all charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and cruelty to persons, state police said.

State police said each posted a $25,000 bond and are scheduled to appear at in court Dec. 8.

According to the arrest warrant affidavits, the charges are the result of an investigation by the Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad, per the state Division of Criminal Justice. After being notified by the New Haven Police Department of the incident, State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr. requested that the Central District Major Crime Squad conduct a criminal investigation regarding the injuries sustained by Cox, officials said.

Facts were determined by conducting interviews, reviewing police investigative reports and viewing surveillance videos to include officer's body-worn camera videos, officials said. The arrests are based on State’s Attorney Doyle’s independent review of the extensive investigative materials detailing Cox’s arrest through his arrival at the detention center and to his subsequent transport to a medical facility, officials said.

The warrants for each are as follows:

Segui Warrant by Ellyn Santiago

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Diaz Warrant by Ellyn Santiago

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Pressley Warrant by Ellyn Santiago

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Rivera Warrant by Ellyn Santiago

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Lavandier Warrant by Ellyn Santiago

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Statements from City officials:

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker

“As I’ve said from day one, the City of New Haven is committed to accountability for all individuals involved in this tragic incident. Based on today’s arrests, it’s clear that the State’s Attorney has determined there is probable cause that the actions of these officers violated state criminal laws – and, ultimately, the final verdict will be appropriately decided through the criminal justice system. I’m glad to see the process is moving forward to help ensure that justice is served.

The City of New Haven also remains committed to pursuing an expedited resolution to the related civil lawsuit and to continuing to advance the comprehensive police reforms and policy changes that the City has adopted and enacted since the incident.

What happened to Randy was unacceptable, and we will work to make sure something like this never happens again.

New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson:

“Now that the Connecticut State Police has completed its investigation and the State’s Attorney has brought charges against the five officers involved in this incident, I have directed the New Haven Police Department’s Office of Internal Affairs to immediately resume our internal investigation into this matter.

The Office of Internal Affairs will officially review the incident in its entirety and determine whether the officers violated NHPD protocols and procedures. Once the investigation is complete, I will review the findings and make recommendations as to what discipline may be appropriate.

I have authority to issue discipline up to a 15-day suspension and any recommendation beyond that must be referred to the New Haven Board of Police Commissioners, who would then ultimately decide on the appropriate discipline, up to and including termination.

The NHPD is committed to ensuring this investigation is conducted in a professional, thorough and timely manner both for the integrity of the police department and to continue to rebuild trust with the community we are so proud and privileged to serve.”

City Corporation Counsel Patricia King:

“With regard to the civil case, as Mayor Elicker has stated, the City of New Haven is committed to pursuing an expedited and reasonable resolution on all issues raised in the lawsuit. To this end, the City’s attorney and attorneys for the officers are actively engaged in setting a schedule for the discovery process and the City hopes that the case will proceed toward an early mediation.

It is important to note, however, that the City is but one of several parties involved in this process – and the City has input into, but not control of, the direction this case takes. In addition, the City has multiple insurance policies, which have strict requirements and protocols that the City must follow. Ultimately, the City is hopeful that all parties will be committed to reaching a reasonable settlement as expeditiously as possible.”