In a video of the incident, Patrick Castaldo and another investigator Gerald Schramek are shown escorting suspected burglar Kenneth Defreitas out of the town court. The suspect then reaches for Schramek’s gun and is subsequently taken down by the two investigators.
Prosecutors say Castaldo continued kicking and punching the suspect before placing him in an illegal chokehold.
Castaldo was indicted on three counts, including a felony for filing a false report. District Attorney Adam Levy said after the assault Castaldo failed to file the require paperwork and then lied to cover up the incident.
Castaldo’s supporters believe Levy is going after the retired investigator as political payback because he is close to Sheriff Don Smith, who was an investigator involved in the controversial rape case against Levy’s former personal trainer.
Click here for the News 12 story.
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