NYPD Charges Seven Cops With Bell Case Violations

Including Acquitted Detectives
NYPD Charges Seven Cops With Bell Case Violations


Seven police officers involved in the shooting death of Sean Bell, including the three Detectives acquitted in a criminal trial last month, were charged May 20 with violating Police Department rules in the case.

NEW BATTLE TO FIGHT: Dets. Gescard Isnora (left) and Michael Oliver, who were acquitted in a criminal trial last month along with Det. Marc Cooper, join him and four other cops facing departmental charges for their conduct at the scene of the Sean Bell shooting. The NYPD will not pursue the cases against them, however, until Federal officials decide whether to bring civil rights charges against the three Detectives.

Guns Wrongly Discharged

The three Detectives - Gescard F. Isnora, Michael Oliver and Mark Cooper - were charged with "discharging their firearms outside of departmental guidelines," according to a statement from NYPD Deputy Commissioner Paul J. Browne. Detective Isnora was also charged with "taking enforcement action while acting in an undercover capacity while other non-undercover officers were available," Mr. Browne said.

"The DEA will vigorously represent our Detectives in the department's trial room," Detectives Endowment Association President Michael Palladino said in a statement. Mr. Palladino questioned the motives of lawmakers and activists who have demanded the NYPD be held accountable for Mr. Bell's death.

Charges were also levied against Police Officer Michael Carey, who fired three of the 50 shots that killed Mr. Bell and wounded his two friends, but was not charged in the criminal case. He is accused of improper discharge of a firearm.

A lower standard of proof is required in a departmental trial than the guilt beyond a reasonable doubt threshold used in the court system.

Crime Scene Unit Det. Robert Knapp was cited for failure to "thoroughly process" the crime scene and CSU Sgt. Hugh McNeil for "failing to ensure" that the crime scene was thoroughly processed.

Commander Also Charged

Lieut. Gary Napoli, the commanding officer at the scene, was charged with failing to prepare a thorough tactical plan for the on-going undercover operation at the Queens nightclub near where the shooting occurred after Detective Isnora heard one of Mr. Bell's friends threaten to get a gun and follow him to Mr. Bell's car. There was insufficient evidence to charge Det. Paul Headly, who fired his weapon once, officials said.

"They are all being used as political pawns," said Sergeants Benevolent Association President Edward Mullins in a May 21 phone interview. "The Sergeant did absolutely nothing wrong, and for them to issue these charges is pathetic."

The department had 18 months from the date of the shooting in which to file administrative charges against the officers, and the deadline for the Bell shooting was May 25. However, Mr. Browne stressed that no further steps will be taken until the U.S. Attorney's Office completes its review of the case.

The officers will face a departmental trial, but Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly has the ultimate say on their fate.

Mr. Browne said the officers "face potential discipline ranging from lost pay to termination," but would not elaborate further.