Ex-police officer charged with punching man in custody 13 times

BOSTON — A former Weymouth, Massachusetts, police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a man in his custody nearly two years ago by punching him about a dozen times without justification, federal prosecutors said Thursday:

Justin Chappell, 43, was charged with deprivation of rights under the law. A plea hearing is scheduled for April 11.

On July 2, 2022, Chappell was an officer at Weymouth Police. While arresting a person, Chappell allegedly struck the person approximately 13 times with a closed fist without legal justification, the charging document said. He resigned from the force after the incident.

“Members of law enforcement agencies take an oath to serve and protect with professionalism and integrity. Today’s filings reveal that Officer Chappell violated this solemn obligation,” Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levy said in a statement.

An attorney representing Chappell declined to comment.

A conviction on a charge of deprivation of rights under the law resulting in bodily harm is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on U.S. sentencing guidelines and statutes.

“It is difficult to understand why Justin Chappell allegedly felt justified in repeatedly punching a man in his custody,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division.

“In doing so, we believe Officer Chappell violated this man’s civil rights and betrayed his sworn oath, his community and colleagues,” Cohen added.

Authorities did not immediately identify the alleged victim.