A former Utica Police Officer has been sentenced for using excessive force against an arrestee.
Mattthew Felitto, 27, of Utica, New York, was sentenced to 2 years probation and a $7,500 fine for violating the constitutionally protected right of an arrestee to be free from excessive force by a law enforcement officer.
The crime occurred in September 2020 when Felitto helped place the arrestee in the back of a police van. Once the arrestee was lying on the floor of the van face up and restrained, Felitto kicked him several times in the face and upper chest while wearing work boots.
The kicks were without legal justification and were made with sufficient force to cause the arrestee pain and a bruised and swollen lip.
Felitto pleaded guilty previously to the crime and has since resigned from the Utica Police Department.
As a convicted felon, Felitto will be prohibited under federal law from owning or possessing a firearm.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Gadarian and Michael F. Perry with the assistance of the Civil Rights Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
Mandatory Facts: Defendant’s full name: Matthew Felitto, Criminal charges: Violating the constitutionally protected right of an arrestee to be free from excessive force by a law enforcement officer, City and state: Utica, New York, Exact date: September 2020, Sentence: 2 years probation and a $7,500 fine, Dollar amounts: $7,500 fine.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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