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NYC Cop Cleared In YouTube Case
Screen Capture of YouTube Video
New York Daily News via YellowBrix
April 30, 2010
NEW YORK CITY – An ex-cop was acquitted of assault Thursday for knocking a protester off his bike, but he was convicted of lying about how it happened.
The mixed verdict suggests the Manhattan jury relied heavily on YouTube video of the Times Square clash two years ago.
The tape showed rookie Officer Patrick Pogan body-slamming biker Christopher Long, who appeared to swerve to avoid him.
In a sworn criminal complaint, Pogan, 24, claimed he arrested Long after the cyclist purposely rode into him.
Pogan also claimed on the witness stand that he was ordered by his superiors to take action against the two-wheeled bikers during a Critical Mass protest.
Although NYPD brass portrayed him as a rogue officer, jurors found him not guilty of harassment and assault.
He was acquitted of four of seven counts, but Pogan still faces up to four years in prison when he’s sentenced June 23. The judge also could give him no jail time.
Pogan, who had no reaction to the verdict and left without comment, has already quit the NYPD. The felony conviction means he can’t reapply.
“Fortunately, the jury saw fit to convict, so he will not go back to ‘work,’ not be rearmed,” Long, an admitted pothead and anti-government activist, wrote in an e-mail to the Daily News.
“The charges they convicted on are the most serious, and the assault was brief,” Long, 31, wrote in his e-mail.
Long – who won a $65,000 settlement from the city after the incident – called on bikers to join him at a Critical Mass ride set for tonight beginning in Union Square.
“Remember, tell EVERYONE to ride bikes tomorrow, and if they feel unsafe, we will be creating a bubble of FUN,” the out-of-work gardener wrote.
Police union President Patrick Lynch blasted the conviction.
“This will have a chilling effect on every new young officer when they realize mistakes now become crimes,” Lynch said outside Manhattan Supreme Court as he was heckled by a lone bike activist.
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. applauded the outcome.
“This conviction reinforces that no one – even a member of law enforcement – is above the law, and that inexperience is not an excuse to violate the law intentionally,” he said.
skascooter007
about 3 years ago
2010 Comments
cameras every where
DarkBlue
about 3 years ago
4880 Comments
Big Brother .................. I C U .....QQ
DALLASCRANE
about 3 years ago
19386 Comments
We are all stars of our own show it be on You Tube or Face Book. The cameras are rolling and LE is the unwitting subject of the net series, Embarrass authority and sometimes it's worth a cash settlement. In Texas the Twin Peaks (the restaurant where you double your pleasure) girls posing with the Sheriff's Deputies with their automatic rifles on the trunk of the service vehicle had 10,000 plus hits You Tube. Most of the Deputies lost their jobs. Not necessarily fair, but reality.
OlSkoolBlu89
about 3 years ago
2484 Comments
A federal judge already cleared the way for an x-con to apply for the NYPD several months ago I think Pogan should re-apply, his crime isn't as serious as the other kid with a gun conviction! Just my two point zero
PaulGreen
about 3 years ago
482 Comments
I wonder if the academy seen any signs of aggression while he was in training. This went a little to far. Maybe this ex-officer needs to get a job as a bouncer. Telling the truth may hurt, but it's honorable. I hope we never forget our oath in any situation. The bad guys look like the victim when we (Leo) over step the boundaries of use of force. This is a no win situatiion for everyone.
Retleo
about 3 years ago
5522 Comments
These so-called "Anti-Government Activists" make a habit of baiting Police and flaunting their drug use and anti-American agenda in public areas. Too bad the general public is not as outraged by them as they could be, perhaps then some of this crap would stop. Once again we are inundated with anti-LEO media coverage by the Left-wing Liberal Media whose only agenda is self-promotion.
While I do not condone ANY officer filing false report, this POS Long getting a $65,000 settlement only adds fuel to the fire. $65,000 will buy a lot of Pot for this cretin and his cronies! Pogan has already paid a higher price than any average non-LEO citizen would have to in similar circumstances, he has lost his job. That should be enough.
uncledennis1
about 3 years ago
22238 Comments
It did not look good. The dreaded video
Criminology101
about 3 years ago
200 Comments
The Biker received a dishonorable discharge from the Army for drug use, admitted to the court that he smokes pot every day and went to the degree to say that he enjoys it while he is taking a dump. To put the cherry on the ice cream he proudly states that he is a drug using anarchist. Was that body check really unjustified?
www.RecoveryContractors.org
OFFICER_K_CPD
about 3 years ago
2296 Comments
.....telling the truth is always easier, that way you don't have to remember all your lying lol.
NYPDALT
about 3 years ago
3110 Comments
He made a stupid move and paid for it. However, if he wasn't a cop there would never have been a trial. He would have been offered a deal.
shaun741
about 3 years ago
2758 Comments
He messed up by lying in a statement and that should always get a conviction. However I do not think he should go to prison
Anonymous
about 3 years ago
I agree with brooklynsergeant 100%
No jail time, but off course it will be up to the Crimianl Court.
I also believe he's better off in a Civilian job... Just my personal opinion.
184retired
about 3 years ago
3804 Comments
brooklynsgt...Saw this article before anyone commented and it looked bad to me,,,,Glad to hear I'm not the only one that thought that...Jail time no,,,He's gone, his career is over, I think that is enough.
WASP7000
about 3 years ago
998 Comments
For some reason I feel that if this was another citizen that knocked the guy off his bike, he wouldn't be looking at a felony on his record. Then again, myabe the felony was for lying, I don't know.
brooklynsergeant
about 3 years ago
4396 Comments
It is clear on the tape that this was an intentional act to stop the biker, who was attemting to avoid Pogan. Pogan compounded the situation by submitting a sworn complaint as to the actions of the biker, which proved to be false. The charges against the biker were dropped early on, the City admited liability early on also, Pogan quit, insted of being fired. I have to disagree with PBA President Lynch on this incident, Pogan rolled the dice and lost the case now he is a convicted felon, I don't think he deserves jail time, but that is the Courts call now.