The mayor of Paterson says that he is determined to rid the city “of crooked cops,” amid an FBI investigation into alleged corruption on the Paterson police force.
Mayor Andre Sayegh made the comments following the sentencing of former Paterson Police Officer Ruben McAusland, who will now spend nearly six years in prison after he was caught on camera assaulting a man lying in a hospital bed – as well as for selling drugs.
“It was abhorrent. I am appalled,” Sayegh said after viewing the video, which was released to the public this week.
McAusland, 27, pleaded guilty to the crimes last summer. Another police officer allegedly also attacked the man in the hospital bed and then lied about it.
Additionally, the FBI is investigating at least four Paterson police officers who are accused of making illegal traffic stops and then stealing from the drivers.
“These are six out of 418 [police officers], so it’s a very small percentage. But unfortunately, that percentage ruins it for the rest,” the mayor says. “But I’m not going to allow that to happen. And if there’s anyone else within that police department that is not protecting, serving or abiding by the law, then justice will be served.”
McAusland received a 66-month sentence and must also pay $32,892 in restitution.