Jonathan Josey, who was once a decorated lieutenant of the Philadelphia Police Department and the commander of the Highway Patrol unit, has been found not guilty in connection with an incident that occurred during last year's Puerto Rican Day parade.
The verdict was issued this morning by Judge Patrick Dugan. The verdict came after a two week deliberation with a bench trial held for Josey.
A bench trial means that the ruling in the case is up to the judge and there is no jury involved.
Philadelphia Police officials, along with members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, expected the not guilty verdict long before it was handed down.
Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams respects the verdict, but does not approve it. Willams issued that statement after the verdict was given.
Cell phone video obtained by numerous media outlets around the Philadelphia area shows Josey punching Hispanic woman Aida Guzman over her allegedly throwing beer at police officers.
Fortunato Perri, Jr., who represented Josey in this case, said Josey is looking forward to doing what he likes to do: protect and serve the people of Philadelphia.
Josey had been charged with simple assault and was originally dismissed from the department within days after the incident occurred.
Josey is planning on filing for reinstatement into the Philadelphia Police Department.
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