Trenton officer, ex-colleague plead not guilty in civil rights case
A Trenton police officer and a former colleague accused of assaulting a man they were arresting have pleaded not guilty to civil rights and obstruction of justice counts
TRENTON — A Trenton police officer and a former colleague accused of assaulting a man during an arrest have pleaded not guilty to civil rights violations and obstruction of justice charges.
Officer Drew Inman and former city Officer Anthony Villanueva entered their pleas Wednesday during their arraignments in federal court. That came one day after they made their initial court appearances and were each released on $50,000 bail.
The charges against both men stem from an April 2017 traffic stop in Trenton. Authorities said Villanueva punched the driver in the face and Inman tackled him.
Inman’s lawyer has declined to comment. Villanueva’s lawyer said the only people who should be happy about the charges are gang members, gun carriers, and drug sellers.
Villanueva faces additional charges for allegedly assaulting a prisoner who was in a holding cell.