Attorney general: NJ state trooper ‘inexcusably crossed the line,’ admits to punching handcuffed woman in the face in 2022

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A state trooper admitted to punching a woman in the face while holding a metal flashlight as the victim was handcuffed in the back of a squad car and awaiting a medical evaluation, according to Attorney General Matthew Platkin. During a plea hearing on July 25, authorities say 28-year-old Nicolas Hogan, of Gibbstown, pleaded guilty to an accusation charging him with one count of third-degree aggravated assault. He is banned for life from holding a public office and public employment. Authorities say prosecutors will also recommend, during an upcoming sentencing hearing, that Hogan be served a term of probation. According to authorities, troopers were on a trespassing call in the middle of the night in Upper Deerfield Township back on Sept. 7, 2022. The victim was identified as the individual who had been described by the caller, and she appeared to be intoxicated, walking in the middle of the road, authorities say. They say Hogan and other troopers were waiting for emergency medical personnel to arrive to evaluate the victim. Authorities say the victim became increasingly distraught that she was being detained and she began weeping. The victim repeatedly protested her detainment and attempted to walk away, resulting in troopers handcuffing and placing her in one of the marked cars. At one point, while in the back of the police vehicle, authorities say the victim spit in the direction of a trooper standing near the open rear passenger door. Trooper Hogan then punched the victim in the face while holding a metal flashlight in his hand, according to authorities. At the time, authorities say the victim’s hands were in handcuffs behind her back, and she was secured in the vehicle’s backseat. “Law enforcement officers face difficult circumstances and put their lives on the line every day. But they must exercise discretion when they need to use force,” said Platkin. “The defendant in this case inexcusably crossed the line, and he has been held accountable for his conduct.” "