A man from Long Island New York is claiming the only reason he was arrested was because he videotaped the police. Thomas Demint, 20, was charged with resisting arrest and obstruction of justice after he notified police he was taping them during an encounter with a suicidal man.
According to Demint, he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Demint made the eight minute cellphone video the Suffolk County police are shown getting physical with people. Police are also shown tasering a fragile woman and tackling a man already in handcuffs.
During the encounter, Demint announced to the police that he was taping the encounter. After taping the encounter Demint was arrested and he claims police tried to erase the video. Demint claims he was tackled by police and was told he was resisting arrest. Then, he claims another officer tried unsuccessfully to delete the video. Demint claims police kept his phone for six weeks.
Demint intends to fight the criminal charges and file a civil lawsuit.
Suffolk County police are standing by the accusation that Demint was obstructing justice by yelling obscenities at police and paramedics along with entering a scene he was ordered to stay away from and that he resisted a lawful arrest.
According to his criminal lawyer Demint was not require to tell police he was taping them yet he did. He lawyer believes he did not break any law.
Patrick Donovan is a criminal defense attorney in Massachusetts who has appeared in over fifty courts in Massachusetts. Attorney Donovan has represented many clients charged with resisting arrest and offers a free consultation. If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime in Massachusetts call today for advice.
