A jail cell attendant accused of roughing up a prisoner in Buffalo Police custody entered a plea of not guilty Thursday to charges he violated that suspect's civil rights.
Matthew Jaskula appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer in downtown Buffalo. The 26-year-old is charged with criminal deprivation of rights under color of law.
Investigators allege that on May 19, Jaskula used excessive force against a handcuffed man taken into police custody. According to the complaint, Jaskula shoved the victim face-first into a door, causing the latter to fall to the floor, striking the edge of a shelf face-first along the way.
The complaint continues that the defendant allegedly dragged that same suspect down a hall, resulting in the latter's head striking a door frame. Investigators allege that Jaskula also placed the man in a chair and did not receive medial treatment for a bleeding cut to his face. According to the federal complaint, a Buffalo Police lieutenant did recommend treatment but was allegedly advised by the defendant that the bleeding had stopped and that the victim had refused treatment.
If convicted, Jaskula faces up to 10 years in prison. He is free on $5,000 bond.
He did not comment following proceedings. Federal prosecutors and Jaskula's attorney, Paul Dell, also declined to comment while leaving court.
Arguments are expected to begin in early December.
