Evan Cossette, a former Meriden police officer, was sentenced today to 14 months in prison in New Haven federal court. Cossette was found guilty in June for using unreasonable force against a handcuffed prisoner, and for trying to cover up his actions by lying about it in a report. He is the son of police Chief Jeffry Cossette.
Prosecutors urged the judge to sentence Cossette within the guidelines range of 27 to 33 months in prison, the Associated Press reports. Cossette's attorney asked for home confinement and community service.
The case against Cossette centered on a 2010 surveillance video, which showed him pushing Pedro Temich, in handcuffs, into a holding cell at the police department. Temich fell and hit his head on a concrete bench, and was knocked unconscious. The jury in the case was shown the video, which also showed Cossette moving an unconscious Temich around the cell after the incident, and removing his handcuffs.
Cossette testified he didn't intend to injure Temich. He said he thought Temich was about to head-butt him when he pushed him, and was surprised he fell.
“Law enforcement officers have an incredibly difficult job, one in which they must exercise good judgment and restraint at all times,” Acting U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly said. “When they fail to do so, they should never try to cover their tracks, file false reports and lie about their conduct. It is our hope that this prosecution will help to instruct all law enforcement officers how not to conduct themselves, and will fortify the integrity of a profession that is entrusted with protecting our liberties as well as our safety.”
