Trenton officer, ex-colleague accused of assaulting prisoner face civil rights charges

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - A Trenton police officer and a former colleague accused of assaulting a man they were arresting are due to be arraigned on civil rights and obstruction of justice counts.

Federal prosecutors say the former officer faces additional counts for allegedly assaulting a prisoner who was in a holding cell.

Trenton officer Drew Inman and former city officer Anthony Villanueva made their initial court appearances Tuesday and were each released on $50,000 bonds. They're due back in court Wednesday for their arraignments.

The counts against both officers stem from an April 2017 traffic stop in Trenton.

Authorities say Villanueva punched the driver in the face and Inman tackled him to the ground.

Inman's lawyer has declined comment.

Villanueva's lawyer says the only people who should be happy about the charges are gang bangers, gun carriers and dope sellers.