Troopers charged with misdemeanor assault for beating man after chase

[Silent_Bob]

http://www.unionleader.com/crime/troopers-charged-with-misdemeanor-assault-for-beating-man-after-chase-20160719

NASHUA -- State troopers caught on video beating a man following an two-state chase in May have been charged with simple assault, authorities announced Tuesday.

New Hampshire State Police Trooper Andrew Monaco, 31, and Massachusetts State Police Trooper Joseph Flynn, 32, have both been arrested and released on their own recognizance.

Monaco is charged with three counts of simple assault, a misdemeanor, and Flynn is charged with two, the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office announced Tuesday.

On May 11, television news helicopters were taking video as police chased and eventually apprehended Richard Simone Jr. as he exited his car in Nashua.

The video shows the troopers taking turns striking the unarmed Simone while he is on the ground while local police looked on. The incident made headlines nationwide.

In the aftermath, Col. Robert Quinn, commander of New Hampshire State Police, said "The unnecessary, unjustified use of force will not be tolerated by this agency."

Quinn at the time could not release the name of the N.H. trooper, but assured the public he'd been placed on unpaid leave and ordered to surrender his badge, gun and cruiser.

As sworn police officers, Monaco and Flynn may be subject to enhanced penalties if convicted. They will be arraigned Sept. 13 at 8:15 a.m. in Nashua District Court