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Buffalo police officer arraigned on assault, other charges

Chris Caya WBFO News

Oral arguments in a case against suspended Buffalo Police Officer Joseph Hassett are set to begin next month.

Hassett was arraigned by State Supreme Court Justice Russell Buscaglia in downtown Buffalo on Tuesday. Misdemeanor charges against the 32-year-old officer include two counts of Assault in the Third Degree, Official Misconduct and Making a Punishable False Written Statement.

According to Erie County District Attorney John Flynn, a suspect was injured while in Hassett's custody at Central Booking on March 18.

In a written statement, Flynn said, "Our Office decided to present this case to an Erie County Grand Jury after a Buffalo City Court Judge dismissed the Official Misconduct charge and effectively refused to allow us to appeal that dismissal.” 

Assistant District Attorney Nicholas T. Texido is prosecuting the case.

Hassett pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court January 31.