Nassau Officer Acquitted Of Police Brutality Charges

A Rockville Centre village police officer was acquitted on Tuesday of police brutality charges related to allegedly hitting a man on the head with a Taser in 2016 and then falsifying police reports to cover it up.

On May 8, 2016, at 2:45 a.m., Anthony Federico, 37, of Nesconset, responded to an assault between two groups of men that had just taken place on South Park Avenue, near Merrick Road, in the Village of Rockville Centre. The 25-year-old man who was assaulted was being helped off the ground by his younger brother, who was also involved in the fight, when Federico tried to gather information from them, officials said. The original complaint by the Nassau County District Attorney's office said a fight between the brothers and Federico ensued, causing Federico to discharge his Taser several times.

Federico was accused of striking the older brother on the top of his head with the Taser, causing a 6-centimeter gash requiring stitches and staples to close. Federico was also alleged to have falsified information in official police documents in relation to the incident.

According to Newsday, Acting State Supreme Court Justice Christopher Quinn found Federico not guilty of the charges against him.

Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray said in a statement that is is happy with the verdict. "This has been a difficult time for Officer Federico and his family and we are glad this is behind him," he said. "Our officers and first responders have a difficult job and they work tirelessly to protect our village and its citizens. We are grateful for their service and dedication.”

Photo: Nassau County District Attorney's office