Cordell Fitts, Excessive Force, New York 2017
Ex-Cop Charged with Violating Homeless Man's Rights
Cordell Fitts, a former New York City Department of Homeless Services police sergeant, has been charged with violating the constitutional rights of a homeless individual at a Manhattan shelter.
According to the unsealed complaint, on the night of March 6, 2017, Fitts used excessive and unnecessary force against the individual, identified as Victim-1, at the Bellevue Men's Homeless Shelter in Manhattan.
During the altercation, Fitts allegedly kicked, punched, and stomped on Victim-1's head more than 10 times, while the individual was on the ground and restrained by other officers.
Fitts was arrested today and is expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman in federal court later today.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: 'As alleged, Cordell Fitts, a former sergeant in the New York City Department of Homeless Services Police Department, used excessive force against an individual seeking services at a city facility. Fitts's alleged conduct not only betrayed his duty as an officer to protect those under his charge, but also violated the law.'
DOI Commissioner Margaret Garnett added: 'Shelters should provide a safe environment for the homeless of our City, not one where clients fear the officers employed to protect them.'
Fitts was charged with violating Victim-1's rights under the United States Constitution and for filing a false report to cover up the assault.
The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and the Department of Investigation is investigating the matter.
Defendant/Respondent: Cordell Fitts
Exact Criminal Charges: Violating the constitutional rights of a homeless individual and filing a false report
City and State: New York
Exact Date: March 6, 2017
Sentence or Outcome: Currently awaiting court proceedings
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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