Cecchini Charged In Federal Court

The former direcotr of the Bay City Department of Public Safety pleaded not guilty to assault charges in federal court Thursday.

Michael Cecchini is accused of assaulting a man with a flashlight last September. A video of the incident was posted to social media. Cecchini was placed on administrative leave, but retired from the force just a few weeks later. The state Attorney General’s office charged hime with one count of assault and battery, which was file in federal court because a Michigan law protects high ranking law enforcement personnal from civil assault and battery.

Cecchini’s next court date is March 3.