ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Supporters of Rickey Bryant, who says he was beat up by Rochester police officers during the summer of 2015, could not contain their disappointment Wednesday, with one calling the police chief's ruling a "cover up that needs to be cleaned up."
The findings of a nine-month investigation by the Rochester Police Department regarding allegations of assault against its officers is now complete, and in a letter dated March 28 of this year, Rochester Police Chief Michael Ciminelli sent the findings to Bryant and his mother, Angela Bryant, stating the allegations against his officers were unprovable.
Bryant, 17 at the time, claimed he was brutally assaulted while riding his bike along Remington Street, in what he called a case of mistaken identity. Bryant's attorney, Charles Burkwit, says he was never charged.
The United Christian Leadership Ministry, a prominent civil rights group in Rochester, remains on board with Bryant, and has so from the beginning.
"No cops are being held accountable for this act. They take no responsibility, there is no apology," said Rev. Lewis Stewart.
The report did find officers failed to properly utilize their body-worn camera and as a result, were properly trained for this procedure.
The family still awaits action on a civil rights lawsuit that was filed against the officers.
"This is going to happen to someone else's child unless something changes," Angela said. "Do you all agree to me? This is not fair to my son."
Stewart says he met with the chief of police Monday and described the discussion as heated at times. He is calling for a new police accountability board to operate independently of police investigations, and is also asking the Monroe County District Attorney's Office and the New York State Attorney General's Office to investigate.
The Rochester Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.