Ex-NYPD sergeant who beat inmate in holding cell, failed to report it dodges felony charge
A former NYPD sergeant took a plea deal Friday for hitting an inmate in a holding cell and failing to report it — agreeing to complete an anger management course to dodge a felony charge.
Adrian DeJesus, 38, was sentenced Friday in Manhattan Criminal Court – the same courthouse where he got into a shouting match with a man awaiting arraignment on Oct. 19, 2022, according to prosecutors.
Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Tavish DeAtley said DeJesus — formerly an intake sergeant in the holding area of Manhattan Central Booking — got into the war of words and then went inside the inmate’s cell to deliver a beatdown.
“Is it true on Oct. 30, 2022 at 10:35 a.m. while you were in uniform and working as an intake sergeant at Manhattan Central booking, you entered that holding cell, pushed the inmate repeatedly against the cell wall, dragged him across the cell floor and struck him in the face?,” DeAtley asked DeJesus in court.
DeJesus, wearing a blue polo shirt, black pants and black shoes, quietly replied “yes.”
Prosecutors said DeJesus didn’t report the use of force to his supervisors — or fill out any paperwork about the incident. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor counts of misconduct, falsifying business records and attempted assault –and was given a conditional discharge and ordered to complete a five-week anger management program.
Outside of court, DeJesus — who was shielded by his father — dodged questions from reporters.
His attorney John Arlia declined to comment.
“Today former Sergeant Dejesus admitted to assaulting an individual in a holding cell and never reporting the incident. Members of the NYPD work hard day and night to keep us safe, and they must make quick and difficult decisions every day,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement.
“In an instance where misconduct does occur, we must follow the facts to ensure the law is upheld and help build stronger law enforcement and community relations.”
DeJesus was fired by the NYPD in February after he pleaded guilty to falsifying business records in a separate case on Staten Island, according to prosecutors.
The former cop’s plea deal came just days after another NYPD cop was indicted for allegedly attacking an unruly man two years ago.
On Wednesday, NYPD Officer Salvatore Provenzano pleaded not guilty for allegedly slugging a man inside an Upper West Side Apple store in 2021.
Police Benevolent Association head Patrick Hendry claimed the indictment of Provenzano was telling cops they couldn’t do their jobs.
“He’s sending a message here today, [Manhattan District Attorney Alvin] Bragg, that he’s going to arrest our police officers for doing their jobs,” Hendry said during a press conference outside of the courthouse.
