New York Daily News – by ROCCO PARASCANDOLA
A NYPD cop caught in a violent confrontation with an Occupy Wall Street protester has been granted a tax-free disability pension for injuries suffered during the confrontation, the Daily News has learned.
Video captured Deputy Inspector Johnny Cardona, punching Felix Rivera-Pitre during a demonstration in the Financial District on Oct. 14, 2011.
The NYPD said Rivera-Pitre, then 37, was the instigator and tried to elbow Cardona.
Roy Richter, head of the Captains Endowment Association, said other video shows Cardona caught in a headlock and that Cardona was trampled and hurt so badly he suffered back injuries and needed hip replacement surgery and operations on both knees.
This week, sources said, the NYPD pension board granted Cardona, 50, a three-quarters tax free disability pension — roughly $120,000 a year.
Neither Rivera-Pitre, nor Cardona, were charged in the incident, but Rivera-Pitre, an artist, filed a lawsuit and settled for $55,000.
Ron Kuby, his lawyer, was incredulous to learn about Cardona’s pension.
“What’s his disability?” Kuby asked. “He hurt his fist when he punched Occupy Wall Street protesters? If he went out on a psychological disability that would have been appropriate.
“At least he’s off the force.”
Rivera-Pitre, living in a commune in Tennessee, could not be reached for comment.
Hang the pig!
track this pig down and take care of it!!!!
Why was he not promoted?
We the tax payer support wellfare cops like this. So put his pension on the ballot and let us vote on it. And what is his new job? Bet he makes more now with it and pension than a promotion for being a bad cop. If any one should get his pension it is the person he hit as well. Can this be took to civel court ?
“Can this be took to civel court ?”
Sure it can.
I’m sure the BAR Association and the Maritime Law courts would be more than happy to take anyone’s ‘money’ who’s willing to try.