New revelations unveiled in assault case against Rockville Centre officer

<p>New evidence was released in court today in the case of a Rockville Centre police officer charged with assault. Police Officer Anthony Federico is charged with felony assault for allegedly hitting a Rockville Centre man in the head with a Taser. Kevin Kavanagh suffered a head injury and required stitches. During the court conference today, Federico&rsquo;s attorney said medical records show Kavanagh had a blood alcohol content of 0.20, and had cocaine in his system at the time of t...</p>

News 12 Staff

Apr 19, 2017, 4:48 PM

Updated 2,563 days ago

Share:

New revelations unveiled in assault case against Rockville Centre officer
New revelations have been unveiled in the case of a Rockville Centre police officer charged with assault.
Police Officer Anthony Federico has been indicted and charged with felony assault for allegedly hitting a Rockville Centre man in the head with a Taser.
News 12 has obtained exclusive cellphone video from May 2016 that shows a confrontation between Federico and two Rockville Centre brothers, Kevin and Brendan Kavanagh.
Both brothers say they were injured. Kevin Kavanagh required staples in his head after prosecutors say Officer Federico smashed him in the head with the Taser.
On Wednesday, the attorney for Officer Federico revealed that blood taken from Kavanagh that night at the hospital shows he had cocaine in his system and a blood alcohol level of 0.20 -- more than double the legal limit.
"This is very important because it helps to explain what clearly was very violent and aggressive behavior, which helps to explain and justify the officer's reasonable belief that it was necessary to use the force that he did," says attorney William Petrillo.
Petrillo also says the video needs to be watched closely. He says what should be noted first is that Kevin Kavanagh allegedly put his arm around Officer Federico's neck, in what he calls a headlock. He also says it shows Brendan Kavanagh kicking Federico in the backside and then reaching toward his gun belt.
The cellphone video does not contain audio, but Petrillo says if you could hear it, it included a crowd of 20 people yelling and screaming at the officer, making him further feel his life was in danger.
Officer Federico remains on active duty on the force in Rockville Centre.
If convicted, he faces up to seven years behind bars.


More from News 12
1:55
Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

1:51
Temperatures return to the 60s on Friday for NYC

Temperatures return to the 60s on Friday for NYC

0:24
Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

2:03
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:34
MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:30
Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

0:05
Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

1:54
Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

2:04
Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

1:47
Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

2:25
Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

1:42
New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

1:35
The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

1:59
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical