NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The ex-NYPD officer who brutally attacked and sodomized Abner Louima in a precinct bathroom in 1997 should not be released from prison, Brooklyn federal prosecutors say.
Justin Volpe in December asked a judge for a compassionate release, saying he had contracted COVID-19 in prison.
On Monday, however, Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Geddes filed paperwork arguing that the judge should reject Volpe’s request, the Daily News reported.
“The crimes committed by the defendant are among the most horrific crimes prosecuted in this District and left a lasting harm on Mr. Louima,” Geddes wrote, according to the outlet, calling the attack “premeditated, brutal and brazen.”
Volpe and two other officers beat Louima inside a police car after Louima’s cousin hit Volpe in the head outside an East Flatbush club in August 1997, the outlet reported.
Volpe, who thought it was Louima who hit him, then brought Louima into a bathroom at the 70th Precinct in Brooklyn, where he sodomized him with a broomstick.
The brutal attack left Louima with injuries to his rectum and bladder for which he needed emergency surgery.
In January, however, Louima told the outlet he had forgiven Volpe.
“It’s so many years after the crime,” he said. “I think at least he’s spent enough time thinking about his actions.”
“I follow the word of God, so I have to forgive — but I don’t forget,” he added. “A lot of people mix forgiving and forgetting.”