Former Newark Cop Gets Five Years for Assault

A former Newark police officer was sentenced Monday to five years in prison for assaulting a civilian nearly two years ago, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said.

Hugo Fierro, 46, who had served on the NPD for 11 years, was found guilty in February of pistol-whipping a civilian in front of a Bloomfield Avenue restaurant in May 2011. Fierro never filed a report regarding the incident, which was captured on video at Tony’s Marisqueria Bar and Restaurant. Fierro’s 44-year-old victim was never charged with a crime.

On Feb. 21, the jury convicted Fierro of second degree official misconduct, third degree assault with a deadly weapon and simple assault.

“This sentence appropriately sends a message to the victim and to our communities that no one—not even police officers—are exempt from rigorous prosecution when they violate the public’s trust,” said Assistant Prosecutor Peter Polidoro who handled the sentencing.