Ex-NJ officer sentenced to 6 years for assaulting suicidal patient, dealing drugs

PATERSON, N.J. (AP) - A former New Jersey police officer who admitted dealing drugs - including some he stole from a crime scene while on duty - and taking part in the unrelated assault of a hospital patient has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison.

Federal prosecutors say Ruben McAusland received a 66-month sentence Wednesday. He also must pay $32,892 in restitution.

The 27-year-old ex-Paterson officer had pleaded guilty last June to possessing drugs with the intent to distribute and depriving the patient of his civil rights.

Prosecutors say McAusland distributed heroin, crack cocaine, powder cocaine and marijuana on multiple occasions to someone who was cooperating with law enforcement.

Authorities say McAusland and another Paterson officer both attacked a patient in a hospital. The man had an eye injury that required surgery.