Kelly Cruz, Civil Rights Deprivation, Pennsylvania 2009

PHILADELPHIA - In a shocking turn of events, 43-year-old Pennsylvania State Trooper Kelly Cruz, of Oxford, Pennsylvania, has been charged with deprivation of civil rights.

According to a one-count indictment unsealed today, the alleged incident occurred on August 9, 2009, while Cruz was working as a State Trooper.

The indictment alleges that Cruz kicked Z.B. in the back of the head as Z.B. was lying face down on the floor in handcuffs. As a result of the kick, Z.B. suffered bodily injury that required surgery to repair his teeth.

United States Attorney Zane David Memeger announced the charges, stating that if convicted, Cruz could face a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison.

The case was investigated by the FBI-Newtown Square Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys L.C. Wright and Maureen McCartney.

The incident has raised concerns about police brutality and the need for accountability within law enforcement agencies.

Defendant Kelly Cruz's name, address, and contact information were not immediately available for comment.

The United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, is handling the case.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/state-trooper-charged-civil-rights-case