Quinoy Trial Begins; Defense Labels Prosecution 'Malicious, Misguided'

The trial of Jose Quinoy—a Sleepy Hollow police officer facing two allegations of civil rights violations and one allegation of intimidating a witness—began Tuesday in White Plains District Court.

The case is based on events that occurred approximately four years ago, when Quinoy allegedly beat Mario Gomez in October of 2006 and illegally used a taser on Luis Vilchez the following December. Quinoy has also been charged with attempting to "intimidate, threaten and corruptly persuade" Michael Hayes, a fellow police officer who witnessed the events.

Cynthia Dunne, the attorney prosecuting the case, began her opening argument by summarizing the prosecution's platform.

"This case is about a police officer who abused the power of his badge," she said. "[Quinoy] assaulted two people while they were restrained and did not pose a threat to anyone."

According to Dunne, Quinoy's actions were unwarranted and used to settle personal scores. Quinoy had previous altercations with Gomez due to an alleged relationship with Gomez's daughter, Dunne said. And when the two met outside of the Sleepy Hollow Police Department in October of 2006 to discuss the situation, Quinoy allegedly punched a restrained Gomez multiple times, and also kicked him in the head.

"When Mr. Gomez's wife attempted to intervene, [Quinoy] lifted her up and threw her against a car," Dunne added.

Quinoy also had several shouting matches with Vilchez—a village landscaper—prior to the December incident, Dunne said. The altercation came to a head when Vilchez appeared at the Police Department and threatened Quinoy; when officers later went to arrest Vilchez, Quinoy allegedly tasered Vilchez for "absolutely no law enforcement reason," Dunne said.

The intimidating a witness occurred when Quinoy allegedly attempted to coach witness and officer Michael Hayes and influence his testimony. Hayes, who was working alongside the FBI and wearing a recording device, recorded their conversation.  

Dunne also spoke briefly about FBI Special Agent Catherine Pena, who was investigating the case and later lied under oath and allegedly destroyed evidence able to exonerate Quinoy.

"Whatever [Pena] did or didn't do in the course of her duties had no influence on [Quinoy's] actions in 2006," Dunne said.

"This case is about the outrageous actions of a high ranking detective," Dunne noted at the conclusion of her opening remarks. "Detective Quinoy controlled neither his temper nor actions."

Andrew Quinn, Quinoy's defense attorney, followed Dunne with his opening remarks.

"What Ms. Dunne just told you is not remotely close to what the evidence shows," Quinn said. "She put the best possible spin she could on a terrible prosecution."

Quinn said Officer Hayes fabricated Quinoy's behavior during the incidents.

"[Hayes] has a bone to pick with Quinoy," Quinn said. "This is small town politics."

Quinn said Hayes and the Gomez family are friends, and the Gomezes filed a lawsuit against several Sleepy Hollow police officers, but not Hayes.

Quinn also said Quinoy acted responsible when handling both Gomez and Vilchez, and that no other officer on the scene besides Hayes saw Quinoy beat a helpless Gomez. Gomez and Vilchez were both aggressive and acting "unstable," Quinn added.

Quinn later stressed the importance of Pena's illegal actions.

"This entire indictment is based on fraud and a malicious investigation," he said. "Pena and Hayes have no regard for telling the truth."   

U. S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas is presiding over the case. Both the prosecution and defense noted they would each need approximately one week to present their cases.