A Contra Costa County jury has decided to acquit former Antioch police officer Matthew Nutt on a misdemeanor assault charge. The verdict followed a trial where Nutt, who was accused of using excessive force during an arrest in July 2022, was cleared of all charges. This case, involving Nutt's physical engagement with handcuffed suspect Terry Robinson, drew a swift jury deliberation that concluded in less than a day.
The incident, captured on body-worn cameras, displays Nutt striking Robinson multiple times after the latter was handcuffed. According to the East Bay Times, Nutt punched, kneed, and kicked Robinson 16 times in roughly 32 seconds while trying to get him into a police vehicle. The defense argued that Nutt's actions were a response to Robinson "actively resisting" an arrest warrant, while the prosecution contended that Robinson was already restrained and posed no threat.
Nutt's attorney, Nicole Pifari, maintained that her client reacted to a perceived threat and employed necessary force under the circumstances. "I am super happy for Matt and his family," Pifari told the San Francisco Chronicle, expressing her belief that the case against Nutt was impulsive and unmerited. The former officer was previously dismissed from the department for policy violations concerning the same incident.
In light of the verdict, district attorney spokesperson Ted Asregadoo acknowledged the jury's decisions, recognizing the judicial system's role in delivering fair justice. "Though the verdict was not in our favor, we acknowledge the importance of a jury trial in ensuring a fair and impartial legal process," Asregadoo stated, as per the San Francisco Chronicle. Terry Robinson has since joined a major lawsuit against Antioch police, an entity grappling with other allegations of misconduct by its officers.
Nutt's trial and the outcome add to a controversial narrative for the Antioch Police Department, which has faced a series of scandals, including an internal probe revealing racist communications between officers. In a separate yet concurrent development, multiple officers from Antioch and nearby jurisdictions have been implicated in a web of misconduct and alleged crimes that has seen criminal charges filed in the Contra Costa County Superior Court.
