Thursday, November 15, 2018

Former Philadelphia Police Officer Indicted


PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Thomas O’Neill, 47, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged yesterday by indictment with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242.

According to the indictment, the defendant, while on duty as a Philadelphia Police Officer, sexually assaulted a woman on July 3, 2016.  The indictment alleges that O’Neill used a dangerous weapon in the course of the offense.

“Reducing violent crime in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is a top priority of my Office,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “No matter who you are, if you commit a violent crime, we are committed to holding you accountable and keeping our community safe.”

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of a maximum of 10 years’ incarceration, a 3-year period of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department Internal Affairs Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle L. Morgan.

An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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