5 Springfield police officers charged in connection to bar fight

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Five Springfield Police officers have been criminally charged in connection to a bar fight involving multiple victims.

Criminal complaints were issued on Wednesday against Daniel Billingsley, age 30, of Springfield, Anthony Cicero, age 29, of Hampden, Christian Cicero, age 28, of Longmeadow, Igor Basovskiy, age 33, of Springfield and Jameson Williams, age 33, of East Longmeadow.

According to Attorney General Maura Healey and FBI Boston Division Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta, the charges stem from an altercation at Nathan Bills Bar & Restaurant in Springfield on April 8, 2015.

The AG's office alleges the off-duty officers physically assaulted four victims during a confrontation inside the bar. The victims were allegedly beaten and kicked and one or more of the defendants is alleged to have used a weapon during the attack. All victims sustained significant injuries from the attack, some permanent.

The AG's office and the FBI were able to identify the defendants based on statements from victims and witnesses, phone records and video evidence.

All defendants were charged with four counts each of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, one count each of assault and battery with intent to cause serious bodily injury, three counts each of assault and battery and one count each of conspiracy.

They were arraigned in Springfield District Court where they pleaded not guilty to all counts and were released on personal recognizance under the conditions that they stay away from the victims and surrender their weapons to State Police.

Springfield Police Officer Jose Diaz, age 54, was previously charged in connection with the alleged assault. Diaz was arraigned back in Nov. 2018 in Springfield District Court on the same charges, but pleaded not guilty and was released on personal recognizance, under the condition he stay away from the victims.

Diaz is due back in court on May 2 for a pre-trial hearing.

The defendants charged on Wednesday are due back in court on March 15 for a pre-trial hearing.

The investigation into these allegations is still ongoing and all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Cox Media Group