(WWJ) – Federal civil rights charges have now been brought against a former Warren police officer who was charged for attacking a suspect during the booking process last month.
It has been nearly a month since 48-year-old Matthew Rodriguez was suspended and eventually terminated for the attack, which was caught on surveillance camera back on June 13.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office initially charged Rodriguez with two misdemeanors – willful neglect of duty and assault and battery.
Both charges have now been dropped as U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison announced Monday she has charged Rodriguez with the civil rights violation. If convicted, he could serve up to 10 years in prison.
“It should send a clear message to those officers who defy their oath and the Constitution – contrary to the vast majority of law enforcement officers who carry out their duties and the difficult and dangerous duties that they have to carry out while protecting the citizens of this district every day – that they will be held accountable,” Ison said at a press conference Monday.
Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido said his office is cooperating with the U.S. Attorney to “ensure that when fundamental liberties are threatened, justice prevails.”
Video released by Warren police last month shows Rodriguez hitting 19-year-old Jaquwan Smith in the face and slamming him to the ground while he was in custody for an alleged carjacking. Smith is still facing a charge of his own and has filed a $50 million civil suit against the city and Rodriguez.
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