By Associated Press - Wednesday, May 7, 2014

NORTH SCITUATE, R.I. (AP) - A state trooper is facing a misdemeanor assault charge after allegedly using physical force against a man detained on a traffic violation.

State Police Superintendent Col. Steven O’Donnell said Wednesday that James Donnelly Taylor has been indicted on a charge of simple assault and is suspended with pay. He is to be arraigned May 21. It’s not immediately known who is representing him.

O’Donnell said Taylor is accused of assaulting Lionel Monsanto Feb. 26 after arresting him for driving with an expired license. O’Donnell said Monsanto allegedly was confrontational and acting aggressively. O’Donnell said Taylor filed simple assault and disorderly conduct charges against Monsanto that were later dismissed.

O’Donnell said Taylor is “a good trooper” who has been with the state police for five years.

He said an internal investigation led to the indictment.

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