U.S. Attorney’s Office June 10,
2014 • District of Connecticut (203) 821-3700
Deirdre M, Daly, United States
Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special
Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation, announced that Bridgeport Police Officers ELSON MORALES, 42, and
JOSEPH LAWLOR, 41, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey
Alker Meyer in Bridgeport to violating an individual’s civil rights by using
unreasonable force during the course of an arrest.
According to court documents
and statements made in court, on May 20, 2011, officers MORALES and LAWLOR
engaged in a pursuit of a van driven by an individual who was suspected of having
a firearm and had failed to submit to a traffic stop. After the pursuit, the
individual was apprehended in Beardsley Park in Bridgeport. MORALES used his
department-issued Taser to incapacitate the individual during the course of his
apprehension. Despite the fact the individual was effectively incapacitated by
the initial use of the Taser, MORALES deployed the Taser a second time, and
LAWLOR kicked the individual several times.
“The use of unreasonable force
during an arrest is not only a clear violation of an individual’s civil rights
but also gravely undermines the community’s trust in law enforcement,” stated
U.S. Attorney Daly. “The overwhelming majority of officers in the Bridgeport
Police Department are public servants who dedicate their lives to protecting
the public. However, any law enforcement officer who crosses the line during an
arrest risks federal prosecution.”
U.S. Attorney Daly stated that
the investigation is ongoing.
“Today’s guilty pleas are such
an important reminder to those of us who are sworn to uphold the law, that we
are not above the law,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick. “Law
enforcement officers of this state, and beyond, should rightfully be held to a
high standard. Morales and Lawlor’s actions three years ago profoundly
undermined that standard and the public’s faith in law enforcement to protect
and to serve. It is an absolute honor and privilege to serve a community and
the good men and women of the Bridgeport Police Department know that, where so
many have served with both pride and distinction.”
MORALES and LAWLOR each pleaded
guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, a charge that
carries a maximum term of imprisonment of one year and a fine of up to
$100,000.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing
for September 2, 2014.
As part of their plea
agreements, MORALES and LAWLOR have agreed to resign from the Bridgeport Police
Department and not seek employment as a police or peace office during any
period of supervision.
This matter is being investigated
by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant
U.S. Attorneys Anastasia E. King and David E. Novick.
