Paterson police officer arrested for aggravated assault, official misconduct
By Jonathan Greene
Published: June 11, 2021
A police officer has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault, official misconduct for allegedly attacking a victim, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Spencer Finch, 44, of Mahwah, has been charged with official misconduct, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and tampering with public records or information.
On May 26, 2021, Finch assaulted a person by striking the victim in the face with his hand, hitting the victim multiple times with a flashlight, and kneeing the victim in the face, authorities said.
Authorities said the attack took place while Finch was on duty and in uniform. After the attack, the police officers prepared, signed, and submitted a false police report. Authorities said the police report contained “several false statements.”
Mayor Andre Sayegh confirmed Finch has been suspended without pay after charges were filed against him.
Finch could face 25 years in state prison if convicted on the charges. He is being held at the Passaic County Jail until a court hearing scheduled for June 16.
Finch has been a police officer in the Paterson Police Department for 17 years. He is the 11th police officer in Paterson charged with misconduct over the past three years.
Updated 5:23 p.m.