William Cozzi, Violating Federal Civil Rights, Illinois 2005

Chicago Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Civil Rights

A Chicago police officer has pleaded guilty to violating the federal civil rights of a man who was beaten while restrained in a wheelchair. William Cozzi, 51, pleaded guilty to a one-count information in U.S. District Court in Chicago, admitting he used excessive or unreasonable force while acting under color of law.

The incident occurred on August 2, 2005, while Cozzi was performing his duties as a police officer at Norwegian American Hospital. Cozzi admitted that he used a 'sap,' a dangerous weapon similar to a blackjack, to repeatedly strike the victim who was handcuffed and shackled in a wheelchair, resulting in bodily injury.

Cozzi was subsequently suspended from duty and was indicted in April 2008 for depriving the victim of his civil rights. He pleaded guilty while reserving his right to appeal a ruling last year denying his motion to dismiss the indictment.

According to a plea agreement, Cozzi prepared a false arrest report and misdemeanor complaints stating that the victim attempted to punch him and two hospital security guards, as well as a false tactical response report stating that he used an 'open hand strike' on the victim but omitted that he struck the victim with a sap.

Cozzi faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Blanche Manning set sentencing for March 26, 2009.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Drury from the U. S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois and Trial Attorney Betsy Biffl of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/chicago-police-officer-pleads-guilty-violating-federal-civil-rights-man-beaten-while