Man Arrested For False Statement

From the Middletown Police Department

In the spring of 2010 Ruben Snipes was stopped for by the Middletown Police Department for a motor vehicle violation.  During the car stop, Snipes was found to be in possession of marijuana and subsequently arrested.  Snipes then filed a civilian complaint against the arresting officer stating the marijuana was not his and was planted on him by the officer. 

It is the policy of the Middletown Police Department to take sworn statements from civilians filing complaints. Snipes did provide a sworn statement that advises the complaint that false statements may result in an arrest.  The statement on the form reads as follows: “I have read the above statement and it is true to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. (please note that intentionally submitting a false statement my result in your arrest and prosecution under the Connecticut penal code)”

During the investigation of this civilian complaint, Snipes met with the Professional Standards Division regarding his civilian complaint.  During a recorded interview Snipes again stated that the marijuana found on him on April 20, 2010 was not his and planted on him by the arresting officer.  Later during the interview Snipes recanted his statement and advised the Lieutenant in Professional Standards that he was not truthful in his civilian complaint.  Snipes was concerned that he would lose his job due to the arrest and decided to say that the arresting officer planted the marijuana on him.

The lieutenant then applied for an arrest warrant for Snipes which was served today, 2/17/2011.

The Middletown Police Department takes all civilian complaints seriously and investigates them thoroughly.  If the officer in question has been found to have acted inappropriately or illegally then the appropriate action will be taken by the department to address those issues.  However, if it is found during the investigation that the complainant or witness of a civilian complaint has not been truthful and has wrongfully accused the officer of improper conduct then the Middletown Police Department will vigorously pursue the prosecution of that individual and apply for an arrest warrant if appropriate.