Ex-Cop, Mahwah Resident Indicted In Excessive Force Case: Passaic Co. Prosecutor

MAHWAH, NJ — An ex-Paterson cop has been indicted on multiple charges after being accused of excessive use of force in effecting an arrest on an alleged robber, according to authorities.

Spencer Finch, 46, of Mahwah, who already faces assault charges in connection with a separate use-of-force case, was charged with official misconduct, aggravated assault, and tampering with public records or information, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes said Wednesday.

Finch, the indictment alleges, seriously injured the robbery suspect, who suffered a broken nose, two avulsed teeth, and lip and scalp lacerations, in a confrontation with the then-police officer on Dec. 22, 2018 at Quicks Food Store in Paterson.

A grand jury found that Finch's use of force was unlawful, after reviewing evidence obtained during an investigation, and that he should be charged, Valdes said.

An 18-year veteran with the police force, Finch, in reports on the force incident, claimed the suspect became belligerent with police and screamed profanities, and that the suspect punched the then-cop in the chest, while Finch was trying to arrest the suspect outside the store, the prosecutor's office said.

Finch then, he reported, tackled the suspect to the ground, resulting in the suspect's face striking the sidewalk. Finch stood the suspect up again, at which time the suspect tried to hit him again, his report claimed. The then-cop then hit the suspect in the head with a flashlight.

If convicted of the three charges, the Mahwah resident is subject to a maximum of 25 years in prison. An arraignment is pending, as is a hearing on a motion filed by the state for pre-trial detention, the prosecutor's office said.

Finch's previous indictment was returned summer 2022, also charging him with the same three counts, as well as possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and perjury. This indictment is scheduled for a pretrial conference on Feb. 16.