A former Utica Police officer was sentenced in federal court on Wednesday to probation, fines, and community service after pleading guilty to using excessive force.
In September 2020, then-Officer Matthew Felitto arrived on the scene of an arrestee who was handcuffed and in leg shackles. After helping other officers load the suspect into the back of a police van, Felitto admitted that he kicked him several times in the face and upper chest.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office found the kicks were without legal justification and caused the arrestee minor injuries.
