LINCOLN – A former police officer involved in a lawsuit against the town of North Smithfield over alleged discrimination in a decision not to rehire him was arrested last week in Lincoln on multiple domestic violence charges.
Nicholas Tomasetti, 33, was charged with domestic assault by strangulation, domestic violence and disorderly conduct following the incident on Saturday, Jan. 17.
Tomasetti, a Lincoln resident, filed a lawsuit against the town in October following a decision not to rehire him as a member of the North Smithfield Police Department after he reportedly completed treatment for job-related post traumatic stress disorder. The former officer, who once served as the department’s handler for therapy dog Libby, said he developed the disorder after responding to a suicide call while on duty.
On Saturday, Lincoln police were called to Tomasetti’s East Avenue home around 1:30 p.m., according to records obtained this week by NRI NOW. Lincoln police did not release the narrative that typically accompanies an arrest this week, noting the incident is still under investigation.
Information received on Wednesday does show that the incident involved juveniles, and that Tomasetti is now facing one felony and two misdemeanor charges.
In the U.S. District Court suit filed last year, Tomasetti alleges that the town’s failure to reinstate him to his former role as an officer is violation of he Americans with Disabilities Act; state fair labor, disability and civil rights laws; and the federal and state Family and Medical Leave Act
The town, represented by Attorney Mark Reynolds answered the complaint on January 5, denying many of the allegations.
Tomasetti was released on $1,000 personal recognizance and is due back in Third Division Court on Monday, April 20 for the charges.
He is done.
Well this can’t help his case……
Strange how maybe the Chief knew of something the public did not, and why he refused him back. Imagine if he were on the force and did this to someone other than the juveniles in this event. Does not look good. Sad.
Came here to say the same thing. No way will his case hold up in court, let alone even able to be a cop again anywhere
Sounds like his accusation of “discrimination” translates to- NSPD knows who he is, and that he has no business carrying a badge or gun.