NEWARK, NJ – A police officer from the Paterson Police Department has confessed to the use of excessive force during two separate arrests, as declared by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Kevin Patino, 32, from Wayne, New Jersey, entered his guilty plea to two counts of civil rights violations before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in the federal court of Newark. These admissions stem from incidents that occurred in late 2020, where Patino engaged in unwarranted aggression against individuals during police responses.
The first incident on November 26, 2020, involved Patino responding to a backup call on Main Street in Paterson. An altercation ensued with a civilian, leading Patino to physically assault the individual who was not posing a threat. Another officer had to intervene during the assault.
The second violation took place on December 14, 2020, when Patino, in an unmarked police vehicle, responded to a report of a suspicious individual on Madison Avenue. After concluding their investigation, Patino attacked a bystander, who was merely observing the scene, with multiple strikes to the face and body.
Patino’s actions, acknowledged as unreasonable and excessive, constitute a breach of the Fourth Amendment. The consequences for each count of civil rights violations include up to one year in prison and a fine up to $100,000. The sentencing is scheduled for July 23, 2024.