Former NH trooper pleads guilty to assaulting suspect on camera
A former New Hampshire state trooper pleaded guilty Thursday to assaulting a suspect in May after TV crews captured the incident on camera, according to the state Attorney General’s office.
Andrew Monaco, 31, pleaded guilty to three counts of simple assault, authorities said. He was sentenced to 12 months in jail, which was deferred, and the AG’s office said Monaco will not serve any time if he doesn’t commit any additional crimes and relinquishes his law enforcement certification.
“Mr. Monaco’s actions are not representative of the New Hampshire law enforcement community I have come to know and actions like his should not and will not be tolerated,” New Hampshire Attorney General Joseph A. Foster said in a statement. “Officers working in law enforcement are, and must be, held to a high standard of conduct in every interaction with the public, particularly in moments of high stress.”
Monaco beat 50-year-old Richard Simone, of Worcester, after a multi-state car chase that ended in Nashua. When Simone stopped his pickup truck, he slowly exited the vehicle and got on the ground to surrender. A group of officers then rushed toward him, and Monaco began to strike Simone.
Simone was known to police and wanted on outstanding warrants, one of which was for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, authorities said.
On Thursday, Monaco acknowledged that his use of force against Simone was not justified, and admitted to punching Simone and striking his upper body with his knee, according to the AG’s office.
Monaco also agreed to complete anger management counseling and 120 hours of community service, authorities said. He will also pay restitution for Simone’s medical bills, and agreed to pursue a career that does not require him to possess a firearm, according to the AG’s office.
Foster said the allegations against Monaco were handled with a stricter scrutiny than those typically used in simple assault cases, and that he has received a sentence that is harsher than most first-time simple assault offenders receive.
“The assault took place following a high speed chase in which Mr. Simone put the officers and the public at significant risk of serious bodily injury,” Foster said. “By all accounts, Trooper Monaco’s actions were out of character with his service for the State Police, he acknowledges they were wrong, and has apologized for his actions.”
Massachusetts state trooper Joseph Flynn, 32, is also facing two counts of simple assault related to the incident, authorities said. He is scheduled to appear in court for a pre-trial conference on October 13.
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