Brooklyn prosecutor pleads guilty in EMT attack - KMSP-TV

Brooklyn prosecutor pleads guilty in EMT attack

Posted: Updated:
Michael Jaccarino Michael Jaccarino
MYFOXNY.COM/AP -

A Brooklyn prosecutor accused of punching and choking an emergency medical technician in a drunken rage has pleaded guilty to lesser charges and will avoid prison time.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Jaccarino of the Kings County District Attorney's Office pleaded guilty to reckless assault, a misdemeanor, on Wednesday.

A judge sentenced him to 10 days of community service. He will also undergo six months of alcohol treatment.

Back in November, Jaccarino, 30, had wandered into traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge after a night of heavy drinking, prosecutors said.

Medics responded and put him in the back on an ambulance. That is when Jaccarino attacked EMT Teresa Soler, punching her in the face and then squeezing her neck, prosecutors said.

Soler's partner and a passerby pulled Jaccarino off Soler and stopped the attack.

"I have no memory of that night, of being on the Brooklyn Bridge, of being in the ambulance," Jaccarino said in court Wednesday. "That being said, I have no problem accepting responsibility. I feel absolutely horrible, devastated by what happened. The only thing I can do is apologize."

Outside the courthouse after the sentencing, Soler said that she was disappointed by the outcome of the case.

"I know my colleages feel as I feel, that this verdict, this sentence, was a proverbial slap to him [Jaccarino] on the wrist and it was a slap to us on the face," she said. "Every day we go into harm's way, and nothing ever comes out of it."

Soler told the Daily News ahead of the sentencing that she works every shift in fear of being attacked again.

The Brooklyn D.A.'s office suspended Jaccarino without pay immediately after his arrest.

With the Associated Press

  • Brooklyn NewsBrooklyn News

  • Superstorm Sandy

    Friday, May 17 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:12:56 GMT
    A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
    A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:28:27 GMT
    Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
    Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
  • Thursday, May 16 2013 9:58 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:58:24 GMT
    Prospect Park is a 558-acre urban oasis in the heart of Brooklyn; perfect for running, relaxation, and recreation. While hundreds take advantage of the trails and paths, many here were surprised to learn
    Prospect Park is a 558-acre urban oasis in the heart of Brooklyn; perfect for running, relaxation, and recreation. While hundreds take advantage of the trails and paths, many here were surprised to learn
  • Manhattan NewsManhattan News

  • Friday, May 17 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:42:48 GMT
    Fox 5 takes a look at the preparations for the Super Bowl XLVIII. This is the road to glory.
    Fox 5 takes a look at the preparations for the Super Bowl XLVIII. This is the road to glory.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 9:47 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:47:46 GMT
    Residents of Zeckendorf Towers, a condominium in Union Square, overwhelmingly voted for a residential smoking ban.
    Residents of Zeckendorf Towers, a condominium in Union Square, overwhelmingly voted for a residential smoking ban.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 5:54 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:54:45 GMT
    The big game will be played in New Jersey but the big party will be in New York City. Organizers call it "Super Bowl Boulevard."
    The big game will be played in New Jersey but the big party will be in New York City. Organizers call it "Super Bowl Boulevard": it will stretch from 44th Street on Broadway all the way to 34th Street.
Powered by WorldNow

KMSP-TV
11358 Viking Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Phone: (952) 944-9999
Fax: (952) 942-0455

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices