A jury dismissed a civil suit against three Egg Harbor Township officers connected to a township man's 2017 arrest.
Abraham Koroti claimed officers arrested, physically battered and charged him during a domestic call because he asserted his right to remain silent.
Police were called to the Primrose Circle home on Aug. 13, 2017, after Koroti's ex-wife alleged he had verbally assaulted her and kept her from leaving the home after she came to get some of her things, according to the suit.
Koroti claimed he came home to find his former wife taking things that belonged to him.
Koroti was arrested and charged with obstruction, harassment and possession of a gun without a permit to carry. He was indicted Oct. 17, 2017, but the charges were later administratively dismissed by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, court records show.
Katori filed a civil suit June 26, 2019, against officers Katrina Cantell, Nathan Lahr and Patrick Daly, alleging unconstitutional arrest, unconstitutional detention and assault, and malicious prosecution.
A jury cleared the officers at trial Feb. 14, with Judge Danielle Walcoff dismissing it the next day, in accordance with the verdict.
Mayor Laura Pfrommer and the Township Committee thanked the officers for "continuing to serve and protect the citizens of our community throughout this time; and for not allowing the pending litigation to have an impact on their quality of work here at the township.
"We are grateful that it was confirmed by a jury that our officers did their job on the date in question," their statement continued. "The township is proud of the relationship our police officers have with our community and will do all within their power to keep lines of communication and transparency at the forefront."
Police Chief Fred Spano said that the department “continually strives to develop the skills of our personnel, by remaining relevant and contemporary with best practices in policing services.
"The result of this court decision is reflective of our commitment and investment in our people,” he added.
The mayor pointed out that “even when the township has been found to be right in these matters, it still has cost the taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in order to defend them”.
