WARREN, Mich. – A former police officer has pleaded guilty for his role in the assault of a teenage inmate at the Warren Police Department.
Prior coverage: Ex-Warren cop who attacked arrestee to be arraigned in federal court
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Matthew Rodriguez, 49, pleaded guilty to using excessive force against an arrestee while fingerprinting and photographing him at a local detention facility.
The incident happened June 13, 2023. According to court documents, Rodriguez was working as a jail officer when the 19-year-old victim was brought to the department after being arrested. Video shows Rodriguez punch the teen in the head while the victim was standing with his hands in his pockets. Rodriguez reportedly used his closed fist to punch the teen repeatedly in the head while the victim was laying on the floor. Rodriguez also reportedly slammed the victim’s head onto the floor.
The U.S. Department of Justice said the teen was not physically resisting Rodriguez and posed no immediate threat to anyone during the assault.
Police said two other officers intervened within seconds of the first punch. Rodriguez was initially placed on unpaid leave but was eventually fired within two weeks of the incident.
During the plea hearing on April 8, 2024, Rodriguez admitted that he knew that his use of force against the victim was unreasonable and contrary to department policy, and that he wrote a report in which he made false statements about the incident and omitted material information.
Rodriguez is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 20. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.