Fall River Cop Gets 2+ Years for Baton Beating, Lying on the Job

A former Fall River Police Officer is headed to the slammer for a vicious baton beating and covering it up with fake reports. Nicholas M. Hoar, 37, was sentenced to 33 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for his crimes.

Hoard’s downfall began on Dec. 21, 2020, when he struck an individual in custody in the forehead with a 22-ounce steel expandable police baton, causing an injury that required stitches. But instead of owning up to the assault, Hoar submitted two official police reports that left out the detail – and even blamed the victim’s injury on a fall.

The DOJ said Hoar’s actions were a clear betrayal of the public trust. “Police officers take an oath to uphold the law and protect the public,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Nicholas Hoar broke that oath and lied about it. This lengthy prison sentence sends a message that we won’t tolerate this kind of behavior.”

The FBI was also quick to condemn Hoar’s actions, with Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen saying, “There’s no excuse for assaulting someone in custody and lying about it. We’ll do everything in our power to root out corrupt cops like Hoar and hold them accountable.”

Hoard was convicted of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and two counts of false reports in February 2024. His sentencing is a major victory for justice in Fall River, where community members have long been fighting for accountability from their police department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina E. Barclay and John J. Reynolds III of the Criminal Division. Hoar’s sentence is a reminder that no one is above the law, not even those in uniform.