DENVER — The Denver police sergeant who was arrested for investigation of second-degree assault was officially charged Wednesday.
Joseph Rodarte, 50, was charged with one count of second-degree assault in connection to an alleged unlawful use of force on Aug. 22.
He was arrested on Thursday for investigation of second-degree assault.
The charges allege that while responding to an initial dispatch concerning a male yelling obscenities, and while pursuing and apprehending the person, Rodarte struck the suspect several times with a metal police baton. He broke the man's nose and leg, among other injuries, according to an arrest affidavit.
Rodarte has been with the department for 28 years. His internal affairs record shows that he has received five oral reprimands, six written reprimands and has been suspended or fined multiple times for various violations. He was acquitted of another second-degree assault charge in 1997, but no disciplinary action was taken against him, according to state court records.
MORE: Denver police sergeant arrested Thursday allegedly broke man's nose, leg bones with metal baton
