A New Hampshire state trooper caught on video beating a man who led officers on two-state car chase has been given a deferred jail sentence after pleading guilty to three simple assault charges.
Thirty-one-year-old Andrew Monaco was arrested in July on charges stemming from his use of force in the arrest of Richard Simone Jr. on May 11 following a 50-mile pursuit through Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Video captured by a TV news helicopter appears to show Simone surrendering and officers then punching him repeatedly.
Prosecutor Susan Morrell says the deferred 12-month sentence is appropriate given Monaco's instant remorse and willingness to take responsibility. But a lawyer for Simone says the court was sending a message that different rules apply to police.
A Massachusetts trooper also faces charges.