A Geneva Police Officer pleaded “not guilty” Wednesday evening to a charge of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation after he allegedly choked a female suspect who was being arrested last week.
Officer Jack Montesanto was arrested by Ontario County Deputies after both an internal and criminal invesdtigation by the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office. Geneva Police Chief Michael Passalacqua said the charge stemmed from the officer’s conduct during an investigation last week. Officers were originally sent to the address for a noise complaint. Montesanto allegedly got into an altercation with the suspect after she was taken into custody. The chief says body cam footage is being reviewed as part of the case.
Officer Montesanto, a ten-year veteran of the department, has been suspended with pay. The investigation continues.