Fired Lawrence (Mass) officer named in Numerous Police Brutality Suits against Latinos

From [HERE] LAWRENCE — Complaints against Kyle Wilcox, a Lawrence police officer fired for use of excessive force [HERE] , dominate the police brutality lawsuits filed against the city in U.S. District Court.

In addition to being fired, Wilcox was convicted in 2008 of beating Lawrence brothers Ruben and Moises Fernandez [HERE] when they were in Lawrence police custody. Wilcox was found guilty of two counts of assault and battery in the jury-waived trial in Worcester District Court.

Former Mayor Michael Sullivan fired Wilcox in July 2007 for his "willful maltreatment" of a Eusebio Alicea, then 19, of 306 Howard St., who later filed a federal brutality suit against Wilcox, the city, the Police Department and four other police officers.

In his suit, Alicea said he was both beaten by Wilcox, who was wearing "special metal-knuckled gloves," and that the officer, in a "malicious and sadistic" manner, used hot water to wash pepper spray out of Alicea's eyes after he was arrested on Jan. 6, 2007 in South Lawrence.

Ruben and Moises Fernandez also filed a civil suit against Wilcox, who was criminally convicted of beating them after he responded to a landlord-tenant dispute on Myrtle Street on Dec. 22, 2006.

Both brothers say they were needlessly beaten and pepper-sprayed by Wilcox and other officers, resulting in serious injuries. Wilcox allegedly smashed Moises in his head "about the ears, nose and jaw with an unidentified hard object." Injured and bleeding in a police holding cell, Moises managed to dial 911 on his cell phone, reaching a state police dispatcher, who sent an ambulance to the Lawrence Police Department to help him.

Carlos Sanabria, 48, also filed suit against Wilcox, the city and other officers after he was arrested on June 16, 2006, during Hispanic Week on the Campagnone Common. Sanabria said he was beaten by Wilcox, resulting in a jaw fracture.

Sanabria also said he was pepper-sprayed by Wilcox and then forced to rinse the pepper spray from his eyes and face using toilet water from his holding cell.

Due to the jaw fracture, Sanabria had to have 12 teeth removed from his lower jaw. He later developed severe infections, requiring additional surgeries, and still has trouble eating, pronouncing words and struggles with anxiety and depression. A prominent scar was also left on his face and he was unable to work for a year, according to court papers.

"Wilcox has a history of and reputation for committing violence against Hispanic individuals while acting in his capacity as a police officer," wrote Kazarosian, who is representing Sanabria.

David Beaulieu of Limestone, Maine, and members of his family also filed a brutality suit naming the city, Wilcox and other officers after a June 22, 2006 incident.

Beaulieu, family and friends, went to an event at the Social Club in Lawrence. Around 1 that morning, after an argument at the bar, Beaulieu and family members were asked to leave the club.

As David left the bar, he said, he encountered Wilcox, who placed him under arrest. When his wife saw what was happening, she walked toward her husband when "suddenly, and without warning, cause or provocation, another officer grabbed her, threw her on the ground and knocked the wind out of her, according to court papers.

Wilcox then threw David to the ground and placed a boot on his neck, pinning his head to the cement. Wilcox then repeatedly pepper-sprayed Beaulieu, "despite the fact that he had already been restrained with handcuffs, was pinned to the cement and had offered no resistance at any point in time."

Marcos Estevez also filed suit against Wilcox, fellow officers Carmen Purpora, Jaime Brito, Terrence Pennington and other "unknown officers" for a jaw fracture he suffered during his arrest on Daisy Street on Oct. 20, 2006.

According to his suit, Pennington pushed Estevez down on the concrete sidewalk. Purpora kicked him in his right eye and then "ground" his face and forehead into the hard cement. At the police station, Wilcox struck Estevez in the jaw, breaking his jaw, the suit alleges. Brito allegedly "observed the assault and did nothing."

The following suits involved police brutality were also filed against the city and various officers:

Melissa Sanchez said her breasts were exposed as she was taken into custody by officer Ivan Resto after an altercation at her home on Sept. 12, 2005. She also alleges Resto threw her on the floor and stepped on her hair during her arrest.

David Scondras, a former Boston city councilor, said he was beaten and denied medical care when arrested by Lawrence police on Oct. 9, 2006. Scondras came to the city to meet a 15-year-old he met in an online chat room, according to police.

Nelson de la Rosa said he was thrown to the ground, pepper-sprayed and repeatedly struck by officer William Green and other officers when he was arrested on Nov. 9, 2006.

Alicia Lugo, Jonathan and Christopher Delarosa claim on July 3, 2006, when Lawrence officers went to Lugo's home to investigate dog fighting, the home was searched illegally and excessive force was used.