NJ trooper punches handcuffed woman

Nicolas J. Hogan, a 28-year-old former New Jersey State Police trooper, pleaded guilty to third-degree aggravated assault for punching a handcuffed woman in the face while she awaited medical evaluation in a police vehicle. The incident occurred on September 7, 2022, after police responded to a trespassing report and found the woman, who appeared intoxicated and was subsequently detained. Hogan struck the woman after she spat in his direction during a confrontation captured on body-worn camera footage. As part of a plea deal, Hogan is permanently barred from public employment and is set to serve up to 364 days in county jail, followed by probation. Attorney General Matthew Platkin emphasized that while law enforcement faces challenging situations, excessive force is unacceptable. The woman, who suffered physical injuries, had all charges against her dropped.