Suspended Police Officer's Trial Continues

The trial of a Barrington police officer put on administrative leave from the department because of accusations of cyber-harassment and obstruction of justice will continue in Superior Court on Monday, July 15.

Suspended Sgt. Joseph Andreozzi was charged after a Rhode Island State Police investigation of sending threatening texts to his ex-wife, according to wpri.com. Police Chief John LaCross asked for the State Police to investigate the charges to avoid any perception of confliict of interest or favoritism.

Prosecutors claim Andreozzi visited a Verizon store after the charges were filed against him and asked about deleting material remotely. They alleged that Andreozzi later deleted text messages from his phone, which was locked in an evidence room. 

Andreozzi's attorney claims that he was actually seeking advice on how to delete personal medical information and information about his children.

More testimony from State Police detectives is expected to be heard this week, including a look at the text messages allegedly sent by Andreozzi to his ex-wife. Andreozzi asked for a jury trial.