Sgt. Joseph Hanley refuses latest plea deal, second trial date to be set for late fall
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A Providence police officer convicted of using excessive force during an arrest appeared in court on Tuesday.
Sgt. Joseph Hanley was seen on video punching, kicking, and kneeling on the neck of Rashod Gore, a man he was arresting for disorderly conduct.
Hanley was found guilty by a judge of a misdemeanor charge last year, but is now appealing that conviction.
In court Tuesday, Hanley refused the latest plea deal by prosecutors.
Hanley’s lawyer Michael Colucci said that he will make a court appearance on June 17 to set a trial date.
Colucci said, “After nearly twenty years of commendable and exemplary police work, he cannot simply walk away from the opportunity to prove his innocence.”
The lawyer said the earliest trial will most likely be in late fall due to the back-up of trials.
