SALEM — A Salem District Court judge denied a last-minute request on Thursday to delay the arraignment of former Lynn Police Officer Matthew Coppinger, 35, who was charged with beating a man in custody last June.
According to the Salem News, Coppinger’s attorney, Kenneth Anderson, asked to postpone the arraignment for two weeks because he believes Coppinger may qualify for a program that allows veterans to enter treatment rather than facing criminal prosecution, under the 2018 Brave Act.
This law was intended to prevent returning veterans or first responders from criminal charges based on actions that were a result of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other conditions caused by their service.
Anderson referred to Coppinger as a “classic candidate” for the program. He said Coppinger now suffers from PTSD as a result of serving tours in Afghanistan and Kosovo as an Army reservist, and before that, as a paramedic.
Daniel Bennett, the special prosecutor appointed to avoid any potential conflict in the case, opposed the request, stating that the circumstances of the incident made it an inappropriate case for consideration under the Brave Act.
“This is not an assault and battery on the street, or a fight in a bar,” said Bennett.
He said Coppinger struck the victim, Victor White, multiple times in his face and neck.
“The statute that allows police to use reasonable force does not allow them to strike an individual in the face in a jail cell,” said Bennett at a previous hearing. “It’s clear from the video and Mr. White’s testimony that he was struck numerous times.”
Anderson provided the judge with another video that was slowed down and highlighted the prisoner’s hands. He said his client thought the prisoner was reaching for the officer’s gun or a utility knife that he carries in a pocket.
After looking at the videos, the judge denied Anderson’s request for a delay in the arraignment.
A plea of not guilty to one count of assault and battery was entered on Coppinger’s behalf.
The judge also granted Bennett’s request for an order barring Coppinger from contacting or going near White while the case is pending. Coppinger, who appeared in response to a summons, remains free on personal recognizance.
A pretrial hearing is scheduled for June 1.
