by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
NYC COURTHOUSE, July 21 – In a Manhattan Central Booking holding cell on October 20, 2022, NYPD then-Sergeant Adrian DeJesus grabbed a detainee, dragged him across the floor then hit him in the face.
He was fired by the NYPD - for a separate Staten Island case.
On July 21, 2023 Inner City Press was in New York criminal court at 100 Centre Street to cover DeJesus' guilty plea and sentencing.
While photos and video were not allowed by the judge, Inner City Press live tweeted, thread here:
We're in NYC Criminal Court awaiting appearance of NYPD officer charged with assaulting a detainee in a holding cell.
After wait, judge in Desk Appearance Ticket court, when Inner City Press and others apply, says no photos or videos in the courtroom this time. (We got video of arraignments in illegal contributions to Adams campaign case). So, will live tweet
Defense lawyer and arrested NYPD (ex) officer, with glasses, tattooed arms and sharp-lined beard, are in front row. There is a sign: Please Do No Step Over the Rail - Use the Chain.
Now defense lawyer is up, with prosecutor, at judge's bench.
Officer DeJesus is charged with, in a precinct holding cell, pushing and dragging and hitting in the face a detainee. He is being charged with falsifying business records and attempted assault - and pleading guilty, no jail time (he's been fired by NYPD)
Defense lawyer: We enter a plea of guilty.
Judge: Mr. DeJesus, do you wish to plead guilty to this Class A Misdemeanor and falsifying business record, attempt assault, class B, conditional discharge and five week anger management program by Umbrella of Hope Yes.
Judge: If you are not a US citizen, this may have negative immigration consequences. Do you still want to plead guilty?
DeJesus: Yes.
Assistant DA: On October 30, 2022 you were a Sergeant at central booking at 110th Street, yes?
DeJesus: Yes.
ADA: You pushed the inmate, dragged him and struck him in the face?
DeJesus (after a pause) Yes...
ADA: You did not complete any paperwork, causing the omission of the incident from the records of
NYPD? DeJesus: Yes I failed.
ADA: The allocution is acceptable
Judge: Conditional discharge, lead a law abiding life for one year. Adjourned to Part C. On October 24 --
Defense: He lives out of state. May I attend on his behalf?
Judge: There can be a virtual appearance.
Defense: Awesome.
Judge: You have to pay a total of $720.
Afterward, Inner City Press took a photo of DeJesus scrolling through his phone by the park on Bayard Street. And the beat goes on
More on Substack here
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