Fired Pittsburgh officer indicted on charges related to Heinz Field arrest

PITTSBURGH — Fired Pittsburgh police Sgt. Stephen Matakovich has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of deprivation of civil rights and falsification of a record, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced Wednesday.

Matakovich, 47, was caught on surveillance video punching a teenager during the WPIAL football championship games at Heinz Field in November.%

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The police chief and public safety director agreed to fire the 22-year veteran in February. Matakovich is appealing his termination.

Sources previously told Target 11 that Matakovich was off duty but working a security detail at Heinz Field on Nov. 28 when he encountered an intoxicated fan, Gabriel Despres, and arrested him.

According to the indictment, Matakovich willfully deprived Despres by punching, pushing, and repeatedly striking him without justification.

The indictment also alleges that Matakovich lied on two reports related to the incident.

“I think it's particularly true when you talk about a police officer who's entrusted with a badge and a gun, and that we have the right to expect that they will follow the law. We certainly have the right to expect that they will file accurate reports,” said Hickton.

If convicted, Matakovich could face up to 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both.

The FBI reviewed the case because security footage does not appear to support Matakovich's claim that the suspect was aggressive.  The district attorney is still pursuing charges that Matakovich wrongly used excessive force.

Police Union President, Bob Swartzwalder issued this statement, “I strongly believe that when all the facts and circumstances are fully explained, Sgt. Matakovich's actions will be found reasonable based on the totality of circumstances known to him at the time.”

Matakovich will receive a summons in the mail to appear in federal court later this month.

Hickton indicated that his office will likely take over the case, even with state charges still in play.

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto hopes that this federal indictment will bring this to an end.

“At what point do you say that fighting this only destroys the relationship between our police bureau and the community? And at what point do you say that not every officer who goes through training, should remain a Pittsburgh police officer for their whole career? You have to earn that right,” said Peduto.

Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for the latest on this developing story.

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