ATLANTIC CITY— A city man who claimed police officers assaulted him during his arrest is now being charged with lying about the incident after officials said the officer was exonerated by his own body-camera.

A growing number of law enforcement agencies are adopting body-worn cameras as a way to ensure public trust and accountability.

In this case, the camera cleared an officer of wrongdoing and led to more charges against the man who claimed police brutality.

Anthony J. Farnham, 55, was arrested Aug. 24. On Nov. 9, Farnham reported to the Atlantic City Police Department that during his arrest an officer banged his head several times against a vehicle.

An internal investigation, however,  concluded that Farnham’s claims were untrue based on video footage. 

As a result, Farnham was charged last Monday with fourth-degree false reports to law enforcement officers. He could face up to 18 months in prison if found guilty.

Authorities did not release what charges Farnham had initially faced when he was arrested and records about the case were not immediately available Thursday.

Farnham has had previous run-ins with police.

According to Roselle Park News, Farnham was arrested in 2012 by Point Pleasant Beach police after being charged with harassment for threatening to injure a Roselle Park resident.

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