Former Newark Police Officer Sentenced For Assault

A former Newark police officer who struck a city resident in the face with his service weapon has been sentenced to five years in prison.

A judge imposed the sentence Monday on Hugo Fierro, after his attorney unsuccessfully argued for leniency.

The 46-year-old Fierro had been found guilty of aggravated and simple assault and official misconduct by an Essex County jury in February. He had served with the Newark Police Department for 11 years before being convicted.

Prosecutors say Fierro was off-duty in May 2011 when he confronted a 44-year-old married father of three in front of a Newark restaurant and struck him with his service weapon without provocation.

They say the victim ran and told police, unaware that his attacker was an officer.

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