According to a statement from Lacey’s office, Deputy Matthew John Funicello, 31, “is accused of striking an inmate several times with his fist on July 22, 2011. The inmate was being transported from the Sheriff’s Palmdale Station to the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles.”
A complaint filed Thursday by Deputy District Attorney Geoffrey Rendon charges Funicello with one count of violating Penal Code section 149, assault under color of authority.
Funicello was booked at the Crescenta Valley Station late Thursday and was released on $35,000 bail, the statement said. He is scheduled to be arraigned May 20 in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
If convicted, Funicello could face up to three years in county jail, according to the D.A.’s office.
SCV-Resident Deputy Accused of Beating Inmate
