FBI drops probe into police brutality

The FBI said it can't proceed because Lyndal Kimble is unwilling to talk.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The FBI is no longer investigating allegations of police brutality stemming from the June arrest of a city man because the complainant is refusing to talk.
John Kane, agent in charge of the Youngstown office of the FBI, said Lyndal Kimble has declined requests to be interviewed by his office.
"We can't do much if he won't talk to us," Kane said.
Atty. Richard Olivito, who represents Kimble, said he didn't want his client to talk to the FBI until Kimble's criminal trial is over. Kimble's case is still pending.
Olivito said he feared that statements his client made to federal officials could be used during his trial.
"I'm disappointed they closed this," said Olivito. "I received a letter from the criminal investigation department of the U.S. Department of Justice last week telling me that the investigation into Lyndal Kimble is closed. It's disappointing."
Kimble is facing charges of felonious assault, resisting arrest, tampering with evidence and felonious possession of drugs.
Videotaped arrest
Kimble says he was beaten by police. A videotape of the arrest taken by one of Kimble's neighbors shows officers Greg Hoso, Michael Stabile and Frank Tempesta struggling with Kimble at length during a confrontation around 12:30 p.m. June 31.
The tape shows one of the officers throwing the 29-year-old Kenilworth Avenue man on a cruiser and then to the ground. Kimble also was sprayed with a chemical repellent.
Police Chief John Mandopoulos has said a preliminary review of the arrest does not show excessive force was used.
sinkovich@vindy.com