Justin Chappell, Assaulting Man in Custody, Massachusetts 2022

A former Weymouth police officer was handed a two-year sentence for a vicious assault on a handcuffed suspect, Grimy Times has learned. On July 2, 2022, Justin Chappell, 43, responded to a call about an allegedly intoxicated man causing a disturbance at a Weymouth home. Chappell placed the man under arrest and, while attempting to put him in the police cruiser, punched him 13 times with a closed fist without justification. The punches left the man with obvious pain and visible injuries.

The victim, whose identity has been withheld, was taken into custody by Chappell and suffered a barrage of punches as the officer tried to restrain him. The assault was a clear abuse of Chappell’s authority and a breach of the public’s trust.

Chappell pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law in April 2024. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs sentenced Chappell to two years of supervised release, with the first six months to be served in home confinement. He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of community service per year of supervised release, totaling 80 hours.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, announced the sentence. Valuable assistance was provided by the Weymouth Police Department and the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Torey B. Cummings and Neil J. Gallagher Jr. prosecuted the case.

Chappell’s actions were a shocking example of police brutality and a betrayal of the trust placed in law enforcement officers. His sentence serves as a reminder that those who abuse their authority will be held accountable.

The Weymouth Police Department has been tight-lipped about the incident, releasing few details about the circumstances surrounding the assault. However, sources close to the case have confirmed that Chappell’s actions were a clear abuse of power.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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