Pennsylvania State Trooper Gets Jail Time After Punching DUI Suspect

Pennsylvania State Trooper John Robert Sromovsky was recently sentenced to two-and-a-half to 12 months in county jail after being convicted by a jury of simple assault.

The incident that prompted the charges came in September 2016. Sromovsky taunted, swore at and repeatedly punched a crying man who was belted into his seat in a patrol car and handcuffed. The victim, a 25-year-old undocumented Mexican immigrant who was under arrest for DUI, was merely the latest in a series of assault victims of the 35-year-old officer.

Sromovsky did not apologize to the victim in court and was officially terminated from his position. Prosecutors said it was “concerning” that he would not take responsibility for his actions. Sromovsky’s attorney plans to file an appeal in federal court.

The former officer previously had been caught on tape beating up an Iranian American civil engineer who had pulled over to the side of the road to make a phone call. That man received $80,000 in a civil settlement in a lawsuit against the state police.

You have rights while under arrest

Just because you have committed a crime does not mean you lose your constitutional rights — including your right to safety. Sromovsky’s actions are inexcusable and a severe misuse and abuse of power as a law enforcement officer.

If you have been mistreated by police officers in any way while in custody, you may be able to take legal action. Meet with a skilled Reading criminal defense lawyer at David R. Eshelman: A Professional Corporation to learn more.