Former NYPD Officer Sentenced for Lying About Teen’s Shooting

A former New York City police officer, convicted of perjury regarding the fatal shooting of a teenage suspect over a decade ago, managed to avoid prison Monday. Danny Acosta was sentenced to probation along with a $2,500 fine by Judge Seth Steed, despite Bronx prosecutors advocating for a prison term of at least two years.

The 46-year-old Acosta made an emotional appeal for compassion during the hearing, asserting that he acted in self-defense when he shot 17-year-old Peter Colon during a tense altercation. “In my heart of hearts, I feel I did the right thing,” Acosta stated. He expressed that he believed he saved both his partner’s life and his own during the incident.

“Nobody knows what it’s like. I’ve been thinking about this every day since it happened,” he added, reflecting on the weight of his actions.

In 2009, Acosta told a Bronx grand jury that he shot Colon from a distance to protect his partner. However, subsequent civil litigation revealed that he shot Colon in the back at close range, as stated by District Attorney Darcel Clark.

Colon testified during the trial that Acosta had his knee on his back when he shot him. In a victim impact statement from Washington County Jail, he mentioned ongoing struggles with pain, including surgery and treatment needed due to the shooting. “I hope Mr. Acosta comes out of this experience a better person,” Colon remarked, expressing a desire for closure.

Despite receiving a $500,000 settlement for his injuries, Colon faced assault and weapons charges, which eventually fell apart after Acosta refused to testify again. The reasons for Colon’s current detention in Hudson Valley Jail remain unclear.

Acosta, whose admission of deceit to a City Attorney’s office made headlines before the trial, was reported to the NYPD instead. During the hearing, Assistant District Attorney Joshua Gradinger argued for a significant prison sentence, stating that Acosta’s actions undermined the integrity of the justice system.

“What this defendant did… poisons each and every juror,” the prosecution insisted, emphasizing the harm done to trustworthy police officers dedicated to their communities.

Acosta lost his position in 2021 and was originally indicted in 2018; a previous trial had faced complications. Defense attorney William Martin remarked on Acosta’s situation, emphasizing the challenges faced by the married father of two.

Satisfied to return to his family, Acosta conveyed his relief, stating, “It feels better than coming into the house.”

In response to the sentencing, Bronx Attorney Clark noted the lengthy pursuit of justice. “It took 16 years, but in the end, truth and justice prevailed,” she expressed.