BUFFALO, N.Y. – Matthew Jaskula, a 27-year-old Buffalo Police officer, pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of an individual in custody, announced Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr.
Jaskula, who worked as a Cell Block Attendant with the Buffalo Police Department since 2013, pleaded guilty to the crime of willfully depriving another of their constitutional rights under color of law resulting in bodily injury. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Guerra, Jaskula’s actions occurred on May 19, 2016, when a victim was arrested by two Buffalo Police officers and transported to the cell block area of police headquarters. Jaskula was working as a Senior Cell Block Attendant at the time.
The victim, with his hands still handcuffed behind him, was instructed to face a wall by Jaskula and another cell block attendant. Within a few seconds, Jaskula grabbed the victim from behind and shoved him face-first into a door, causing the victim to strike the door, a shelf, and the floor.
The defendant’s actions caused the victim to become limp and unresponsive. Jaskula thereafter grabbed the victim by his handcuffed arms and dragged him down a hallway for approximately 10-15 feet to an open cell. The victim began bleeding profusely as he was dragged by the defendant and taken into an open cell.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 12, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The victim was treated for nasal bone fractures and a laceration between his nose and right eye at the Erie County Medical Center.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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