Former North Adams Officer Arraigned on Assault Charges
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Joshua A. Mantello, 30, of Liberty Street, North Adams, had not-guilty pleas entered on his behalf on two counts of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, one county of assault and battery, one count of misleading a police officer and one count of filing a false report by a public officer.
Boston attorney Thomas Drechsler represented him at the arraignment.
Mantello, a seven-year veteran of the force, was indicted by a Berkshire grand jury on March 3 after an investigation by North Adams police and state police detectives assigned to the Berkshire district attorney's office.
He had been on suspension from the force since Dec. 10, 2008. North Adams Public Safety Commissioner E. John Morocco on Thursday said only that Mantello "is no longer employed with city." He declined to give further details.
Mantello allegedly used excessive force during the arrest of Matthew D. Trombley, 28, of Dover Street, North Adams, on Nov. 28, 2008. According to published reports, Trombley, who was allegedly intoxicated and combative, was pushed up against a wall and then to the ground. Mantello's report said he was tasered in the abdomen at the police lockup when he continued acting out, according to media reports.
Prosecuters say Mantello filed a false report about the incident.
Trombley was charged with assault, vandalism and disorderly conduct charges. The assualt and disorderly charges were later dropped but Trombley was arrested in December on assault charges relating to an incident with his girlfriend and jailed.
Judge John A. Agostini released Mantello on personal recognizance Thursday on the condition that he have no contact with the alleged victim.
