Re: 12/11/00 - AP/Hartford Courant: Grand Juror Recommends Prosecution Of Police Captain
Grand Juror Recommends Prosecution Of Police Captain
The Associated Press
December 11, 2000
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) A one-woman grand jury looking into the apparent mishandling of a murder investigation has recommended prosecuting a New Haven police captain.
In a report issued Monday, Judge Carmen Espinosa found probable cause to charge Capt. Brian Sullivan with hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence during the investigation into the November, 1996 killing of Philip Cusick.
Cusick was shot during an alleged drug deal in New Haven and his body was dumped outside his parents' home in North Haven.
Two years ago, New Haven detectives interviewed an alleged eyewitness who identified a suspect. North Haven police claim that they were never told about the suspect.
The tape of the interview is missing and a transcript was found in a desk drawer at the New Haven detective bureau.
Several police officers claimed that Sullivan, who headed the Investigative Services Unit, had told them to drop the investigation.
During her investigation, Espinosa interviewed 57 witnesses. Sullivan did not testify, citing his constitutional right against self-incrimination.
Chief State's Attorney John Bailey said Monday he had not decided whether to prosecute Sullivan.
''We are reading the (grand jury) report now,'' Bailey said. ''We are looking at the testimony, we are looking at the law, and then we'll take some action I believe.''
Sullivan's attorney, Hugh Keefe, said his client has become a scapegoat for the New Haven police department.
''Why would someone cover up a murder investigation, when they have no reason to?'' he said.
New Haven Police Chief Melvin Wearing said he would meet with North Haven Police Chief James DicCarlo Tuesday to offer ''all assistance necessary'' to help resolve the Cusick case.
''It is never acceptable for a police officer to be charged, just as it is never acceptable for a case to be handled improperly,'' Wearing said. ''There are standards that should be expected of us from the residents we serve, and the officers of the New Haven Police Department and I stand committed to meeting those standards.''
Sullivan is currently on administrative leave from the department. The New Haven Board of Police Commissioners has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday to discuss possible disciplinary actions.
AP-ES-12-11-00 1950EST
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