Nys Senator Eric Adams Calls Upon The U.s. Attorney’s Office To Prosecute The Accused Shooter Of Police Officer Russel Timoshenko For Violating The Slain Officer’s Civil Rights

New York State Senator Eric Adams (D, Brooklyn) will hold a press conference in front of the U.S. Attorney’s Office (for the Eastern District of NY) to urge U.S. Attorney Benton J. Campbell to prosecute Robert Ellis in Federal Court for violating slain Officer Russell Timoshenko’s civil rights.  Ellis, one of three men charged with shooting the policeman and his partner, was acquitted by a Brooklyn jury of the murder of Officer Timoshenko and the attempted murder of his partner, Officer Herman Yan.  

Senator Adams states: “Every level of government must send a clear message that anyone who takes the life of a police officer will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Robert Ellis was convicted on lesser charges of weapons possession.  As a retired member of the NYC Police Department, as a NYS senator, and as a concerned U.S.  citizen, I urge the U.S. Attorney’s Office to file federal civil rights charges against this defendant.”  

Senator Adams also sent the following letter to U.S. Attorney Benton J. Campbell:  

December 22, 2008 

United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York
Benton J. Campbell, United States Attorney
271 Cadman Plaza East
Brooklyn, NY 11201 

Dear Mr. Campbell: 

On Wednesday, December 17, 2008, a Brooklyn jury acquitted Robert Ellis of the murder of NYPD Officer Russel Timoshenko and the attempted murder of NYPD Officer Herman Yan.  Ellis was convicted only on lesser charges of gun possession. 

It is imperative that every level of government send a clear message to all who would take the life of a police officer: criminals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  As a retired member of the NYC Police Department, as a NYS senator, and as a concerned U.S. citizen, I urge the U.S. Attorney’s Office to file federal civil rights charges against this defendant. 

It is my hope that with a civil rights trial against Robert Ellis in federal court, the family of Officer Timoshenko will reach closure and the people of New York will see justice served.  I await your swift action and trust that you will use the full authority of your office to resolve this matter. 

Yours truly, 

Eric Adams
NYS Senator
District #20