Nicholas Hoar, a former Fall River police officer, has been sentenced to 33 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release. Hoar was convicted of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and two counts of false reports in February 2024.
According to the Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levy’s office, Hoar struck and injured a man in the forehead using a 22-ounce steel, expendable police baton on December 21, 2020. The resulting injury required stitches.
Hoar then submitted two reports, one on December 21 and another on December 22, where he failed to mention striking the man after his arrest.
Hoar was arrested on November 30, 2022, and indicted the same day. The Fall River Police Department, after consulting with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, determined that the FBI would conduct the investigation. Hoar was subsequently placed on unpaid administrative leave.
“Police officers take an oath to uphold the law and the vast majority of men and women in uniform bravely protect and serve the public across this District each and every day,” Levy said in a statement. “Nicholas Hoar violated his oath and broke the law. This lengthy prison sentence sends a message to the entire community that we will continue to hold members of law enforcement accountable when they violate a person’s civil rights.”
This case highlights the importance of accountability within law enforcement and serves as a reminder that those who abuse their power will be held responsible for their actions. The sentence imposed on Hoar sends a clear message that the rights of all citizens must be respected and protected, regardless of their interactions with law enforcement.
