In a recent court proceeding, former Kissimmee police officer Andrew Baseggio accepted full responsibility for his actions in a 2023 use-of-force incident that has stirred upheaval within the Kissimmee Police Department. Baseggio pleaded guilty to felony battery, witness tampering, and official misconduct following the altercation that involved him employing excessive force during a disturbance call, leaving a man seriously injured. This plea comes at the tail end of a tumultuous period for the department, which has faced scrutiny and prompted high-ranking resignations, including those of Police Chief Betty Holland and Deputy Chief Camille Alicea.
According to ClickOrlando, on that April day in 2023, without a warrant and deploying a level of violence not in step with departmental norms, Baseggio used a stun gun multiple times on the victim and delivered a knee strike to his face, as stated in the case documents. The resulting investigation into this matter uncovered a pattern of misreporting within the department, culminating in the guilty plea handed down yesterday.
Receiving 60 days to 24 months of imprisonment under the plea deal, Baseggio has navigated away from the potential 40-year prison sentence and a $30,000 fine originally hanging over his head, according to WESH.
