EAST HAVEN, CT (WFSB) -
The fourth East Haven police officer facing federal discrimination charges appeared in court Thursday. Meanwhile, the town's mayor continues to deal with the fallout for his taco comment Tuesday.
Four East Haven police officers were arrested on Tuesday and face up to 10 years in jail for allegedly assaulting Latinos, making up charges and then intimidating them if they tried to complain.
Three of the officers Dennis Spaulding, David Cari and Sgt. John Miller appeared in court Tuesday after their arrest and were released on bond.
Police officer Jason Zullo appeared in court on Thursday.
One supporter was outside the courthouse to remind everyone these are only charges.
None of the officers' families have been willing to go on camera to explain how the officers are holding up.
East Haven Mayor Joseph Maturo faces harsh criticism for saying to a reporter that he "might have tacos when I go home" when asked how he would help the Latino community following the federal investigation.
Maturo, who was in the Eyewitness News studio on Thursday taping this weekend's Face the State, said the town's police department is more diverse than it ever was.
"It didn't just happen, we went out and put in effort into that. I make one mistake and it all goes by the boards,"he said.
Maturo is fending off demands that he step down. Town Democrats said the Republican mayor should resign, and state representatives have also chimed in.
"To me, that's unforgivable," said Rep. Ernest Hewett. "Next he'll be talking about me. 'Let's go get some fried chicken.' Give me a break. He needs to go."
Hewett was part of a group of elected officials and civil rights leaders calling for improvements to Connecticut's law against racial profiling. It's been on the books since 1999, but they said more than half the state's police departments aren't reporting their traffic stop data as required.
They are vowing to close the loopholes and find a way to enforce the rule.
"It was a stupid, dumb comment that was taken out of context," Maturo said.
Maturo has apologized for the remarks he made Tuesday and said he accepts full responsibility.
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