A city police officer accused of choking a woman last month is now on unpaid leave.
Geneva Police Chief Mike Passalacqua confirmed Wednesday that Jack Montesanto, the subject of disciplinary charges, has been placed on unpaid pre-hearing suspension pursuant to Section 75 of state Civil Service Law, which pertains to public employees.
“Beyond that, I cannot discuss this any further,” Passalacqua said in an email to the Times.
Montesanto, 40, was arrested July 31 following an investigation by the Ontario County sheriff’s office into an incident that allegedly occurred during the early-morning hours of July 23, when Montesanto and at least one other GPD officer responded to a Main Street apartment building for a noise complaint.
The woman, who was charged with a noise violation and disorderly conduct, was taken to the Public Safety Building for booking. Montesanto is accused of choking the woman while she was being booked, causing her to lose consciousness temporarily.
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