necn Investigates: NH State Trooper to Accept Plea Deal

Andrew Monaco will not serve any jail time if he stays out of trouble

necn Investigates has learned that the New Hampshire state trooper charged with assaulting a driver following a chase and traffic stop earlier this year will accept a plea deal on Thursday.

Andrew Monaco, 31, will not serve any jail time if he stays out of trouble. He's due at Nashua District Division Court on Thursday morning.

Monaco was charged with simple assault in connection to a May 11 incident caught on camera in which suspect Richard Simone led police on a high-speed chase from Holden, Massachusetts to Nashua, New Hampshire.

Simone, 50, of Worcester, Massachusetts, was beaten by troopers after he was pulled over, and the entire incident was caught on camera. Helicopter footage showed police repeatedly punching Simone after he got out of his truck and got down on his knees.

A source tells necn that under the plea agreement, Monaco - seen in green at the left of the screen in the video above - must agree to anger management counseling, relinquish his law enforcement certification in New Hampshire and not seek future employment in law enforcement or any other profession that would require carrying a firearm. He will also be required to issue a public apology to Simone and pay for his medical expenses.

Investigators allege that Monaco struck Simone on the left side of the head - delivering 12 punches and two knee strikes.

He reportedly apologized to his supervisor immediately afterward and acknowledged that he had made a big mistake.

"I just ruined my life over one (expletive)," he told a fellow officer at the scene.

Massachusetts State Police Trooper Joseph Flynn was also charged with simple assault for his role in the incident. Flynn has been suspended with pay and his department is conducting its own internal investigation.

Flynn's attorney, Ron Caron, would not comment on where his client's case stands, adding that Flynn "committed no crime and I think the state knows that."

When asked for his reaction to Monaco's plea deal that includes cooperation in any future court proceedings, Caron said, "Trooper Monaco has nothing to say that would implicate Trooper Flynn in any criminal conduct."

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