James G. Litz, Civil Rights Violation, New York 2010

Grimy Times has obtained exclusive information about a shocking case of police brutality in the city of Tonawanda, New York. James G. Litz, a 54-year-old police captain, has pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of a citizen.

According to the plea agreement, Litz assaulted and choked a victim on June 21, 2003, while the victim was in the rear of a city of Tonawanda Police vehicle. The incident occurred over seven years ago, but the consequences of Litz’s actions will be felt for years to come.

Litz admitted to poking one victim in the chest, twisting the victim’s arm and causing pain, and grabbing and choking another victim for a lengthy period of time in 2009. In both incidents, Litz arrested the victims for ‘resisting arrest’ and ‘disorderly conduct.’

The crime carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Sentencing is scheduled for August 4, 2010, at 12:30 P.M. EDT in Buffalo, New York, in front of U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Thomas E. Perez stated, ‘I have great respect for officers who enforce the law, but any officer who abuses his or her power and crosses the line as this defendant did must be held accountable.’

U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. added, ‘The nation’s civil rights laws protect people of all race, color, and creed. The laws apply to those in positions of power, such as police and jail officials.’

James G. Litz, 54, of Tonawanda, New York, pleaded guilty to deprivation of civil rights under the color of law. The defendant’s actions have left the community in shock and raised questions about the accountability of law enforcement officials.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant: James G. Litz, 54, of Tonawanda, New York; Exact Criminal Charges: Deprivation of civil rights under the color of law; City and State: Tonawanda, New York; Exact Date: June 21, 2003; Sentence or Outcome: Maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both; Dollar Amounts: $250,000.

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