F.O.P.: Cop who punched woman will face assault charges

THE VIDEO of former Philadelphia police Lt. Jonathan Josey hitting a woman has more than 1.5 million hits on YouTube, but it's Josey who is expected to be hit - with criminal charges - for his role in the incident, according to the head of the city's police union.

John McNesby, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5, said that District Attorney Seth Williams told him that Josey would be charged this week with simple assault for the Sept. 30 incident.

Josey's attorney, Fortunato Perri Jr., said he's heard the same thing but has not been formally advised of any charges. Perri said that if Josey is charged, they would arrange for him to turn himself in to authorities.

D.A. spokeswoman Tasha Jamerson stressed that no charges had been filed as of Wednesday.

"It's very inappropriate for anybody to be saying anything until someone has been charged, and I can tell you no one has been charged with anything," she said.

McNesby said the FOP would support Josey if he is charged.

"We will stand behind him, with him, wherever," McNesby said.

Josey, 40, a 19-year veteran of the department who was once named a Daily News Sexy Single, was working in North Philadelphia following the Puerto Rican Day Parade when one or more people sprayed an unknown liquid on a group of officers, including Josey, while their backs were turned.

It's unclear from the video if Aida Guzman, 39, was one of the people who threw the liquid, but when Josey turned around, she was the first person he appeared to see.

As she was walking away, Josey hit her in the face and in the back of the head, knocking her to the ground. Guzman was given a disorderly conduct citation that day, which later was dismissed.

"It seems like there's a double-standard here in Philadelphia when it comes to police," McNesby said. "If you're going to charge him, why aren't you going to charge the female who assaulted him with whatever she poured on him?"

Mayor Nutter personally apologized to Guzman, and Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey suspended Josey for 30 days with the intent to dismiss.

On Oct. 28, a $30-per-person benefit sponsored by Josey's friends and co-workers was held for him at FOP headquarters, on Spring Garden Street near Broad. About 75 people, including members of the National Conference of Puerto Rican Woman, protested outside the event.

Perri said he's confident that Josey will beat any charges against him and will be reinstated.

"Lt. Josey intends to vigorously defend the allegations or any charges that may arise from the situation, and it's his hope and belief he'll be back in that position where he can continue to protect and serve the citizens of Philadelphia," he said.

Meanwhile, Guzman's attorney, Enrique Latoison, expressed pleasure Wednesday upon hearing from this reporter that Josey would be charged.

"Our official position is that we are happy and agree with him being charged," he said. "We completely support it."

" @FarFarrAway

Blog: PhillyConfidential.com