Paterson police officer indicted for allegedly assaulting teen, attempting to cover up attack
By Jonathan Greene
Published: January 18, 2022
A police officer has been indicted for allegedly assaulting a teen and then trying to cover it up, federal authorities said on Tuesday.
Kevin Patino, 29, of Paterson, was indicted on conspiracy against rights by depriving a person of his constitutional right to be free from use of unreasonable force by law enforcement, deprivation of rights under color of law, and two counts of falsification of records.
Patino and another police officer, Kendry Tineo-Restituyo, allegedly attacked then-19-year-old Osamah Alsidi of Paterson.
On December 14, 2020 at around 12:30 a.m., Patino and Tineo-Restituyo approached the victim, who was walking with his hands in his pockets, outside of 1245 Madison Avenue. Patino grabbed the victim, but the victim tried to separate himself. He then struck the victim in the face and body numerous times, authorities said.
Tineo-Restituyo picked the victim up and threw him to the ground. Both officers then repeatedly struck the victim while he was on the ground, authorities said.
Alsidi was badly injured and required treatment at the hospital.
Patino and Tineo-Restituyo appeared to have put the incident behind them. Then a video of the incident was shared by a Muslim civil rights organization that went viral in February 2021, leading to investigations and charges.
Tineo-Restituyo and Patino were charged in April 2021. Patino and Tineo-Restituyo could face 30 years in prison if convicted.