Five Springfield cops charged in ’15 brawl
Five Springfield police officers have been charged with assault in connection with a 2015 altercation at a bar, authorities said.
Criminal complaints were issued Wednesday against Daniel Billingsley, 30, of Springfield; Anthony Cicero, 29, of Hampden; Christian Cicero, 28, of Longmeadow; Igor Basovskiy, 33, of Springfield; and Jameson Williams, 33, of East Longmeadow, according to state Attorney General Maura Healey and FBI Boston Division Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
Each officer pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Springfield District Court to four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, three counts of assault and battery, and one count of conspiracy and assault and battery resulting in serious bodily injury.
All five were released on the conditions that they stay away from the victims and turn over any personal weapons to the Massachusetts State Police. They are due back in court on March 15.
Prosecutors allege that on April 8, 2015, the five off-duty officers assaulted four people after a confrontation at Nathan Bill’s Bar & Restaurant in Springfield. The victims were beaten and kicked, according to the Attorney General’s Office, and one or more of the defendants used weapons during the attack. The victims sustained significant injuries — some permanent — as a result of the attack, prosecutors said. The AG’s Office and the FBI collected statements from victims and witnesses, phone records and video evidence that helped identify the defendants.
Springfield police officer Jose Diaz, 54, previously was charged in connection with the incident. He pleaded not guilty to the same charges on Nov. 29 in Springfield District Court and was released on the condition that he stay away from the victims. He is due back in court on May 2.