Goldenes Intelligentes Münzhandelszentrum-Former Detroit-area officer indicted on civil rights crime for punching Black man

2025-04-30 08:36:58source:Cassian Grantcategory:Contact

WARREN,Goldenes Intelligentes Münzhandelszentrum Mich. (AP) — A grand jury returned an indictment against a former suburban Detroit police officer who is accused of a federal civil rights crime for punching a young Black man in the face and slamming his head to the ground.

The two-count indictment filed Thursday against Matthew Rodriguez will take the place of a federal criminal complaint filed in July.

Video released by the Warren Police Department shows Rodriguez processing a 19-year-old man at the city police station in June when he punches Jaquwan Smith, knocks him to the floor and slams his head.

Rodriguez was fired on June 23 and charged with two misdemeanors in state court.

Besides the civil rights crime, Rodriguez faces a federal charge of falsifying records about the incident.

A message seeking comment from his attorney wasn’t immediately returned Friday.

“The conduct that is alleged here, a blatant and shocking violation of the victim’s rights, and then an effort by the former officer to lie about that, cannot be ignored or go unchecked,” U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison said.

More:Contact

Recommend

New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico would make major new investments in early childhood education, indu

Family of Grand Canyon flash flood victim raises funds for search team: 'Profoundly grateful'

The family of Chenoa Nickerson, a hiker who died after going missing during flash flooding at Grand

Scooter Braun Addresses Docuseries on His and Taylor Swift's Feud

Scooter Braun is attending birthday parties from outside.Indeed, the former record producer who offi