Judge Acquits New York Officer of Brutality, Other Charges

A Nassau, NY, judge acquitted a veteran Rockville Centre officer Tuesday of police brutality and other charges, ending a trial that focused on the officer's actions during a struggle with two brothers — much of it captured in a cellphone video.

Acting State Supreme Court Justice Christopher Quinn found Officer Anthony Federico not guilty of felony assault, as well as misdemeanor charges of assault, falsifying business records and offering a false instrument for filing.

Federico left the courthouse without commenting as some of his many supporters, including fellow officers, applauded the verdict, Newsday reports.

Prosecutors had alleged Federico used excessive force on May 8, 2016, when he struck Kevin Kavanagh, an intoxicated college student, in the head with his Taser when the man was on the ground in a fetal position.

They also said Federico, 37, lied on police paperwork by stating Kevin Kavanagh’s head injury happened during an earlier street brawl.