Major & Captain:
I am writing to bring to your attention what I believe may be improper
conduct by the prosecution team in the matter of your client Major Pietro
Scarselli.
By way of background, I am a late corporal of Marines who spent 24 years in
the NYPD, retiring as a captain. The majority of my police career was spent in
investigative assignments. It was highlighted by 12 years in the
Narcotics Division as both an investigator and supervisor. Additionally, I
served as a Precinct Integrity Control Officer and finally as a precinct
Commanding Officer. I know the difference between proper and improper
investigative techniques
Last week I received a telephone call from a friend, LtCol, Jeffrey Dill.
During the course of our conversation your client's situation came up. The
colonel told me he had recently been contacted by a 2nd lieutenant member of the
prosecution team. The lieutenant called to find out how well the
colonel "really" knew Major Scarselli. The lieutenant also wanted to know if the
colonel was aware of the number and gravity of the charges against Major
Scarselli. While the colonel did not express it, I got the distinct
the impression the lieutenant was subtly questioning the wiseness of the
colonel testifying on behalf of Major Scarselli. As an experienced
investigator, this behavior on the part of the lieutenant smacked of subtle
intimidation. He let the colonel know that it might not be in his best interest,
career wise, to testify on behalf of the Marine being charged. Naturally, this
tactic was not employed overtly but rather with a wink and a
nod. The implied message being, don't jeopardize your career
advancement by standing with this Marine. I find that tactic to be at
best unprofessional and at worst unethical and coercive.
I think you should put the prosecutor on notice, inform the judge, and
request the incident be put in the record.
Please acknowledge receipt of this email.
Semper Fidelis,
Joe Lisi
NYPD (1968-1992)
USMCR (1969-1972)