Accuser Takes Stand In Alleged Police Assault Case

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Alleged police brutality victim Michael Mineo took the stand Monday to testify against the three police officers accused of assaulting him at a Brooklyn subway station.

Mineo, 25, claims Police Officer Richard Kern sodomized him with a collapsible baton at the Prospect Park subway station in October 2008, while Officers Alex Cruz and Andrew Morales stood by.

Police allegedly chased the tattoo parlor employee down after he was seen smoking marijuana.

While on the stand, Mineo said that he ran from police because he was on parole for a previous gang assault charge and he did not have any identification on him.

"I think it is important for them to know who he is, meaning his background, which is all of his past criminal history and then it's important to know his inconsistencies in this case," said Cruz' attorney, Stuart London.

Kern has been charged with aggravated sexual abuse and assault and could face up to 25 years in jail if convicted.

Cruz and Morales are accused of reckless endangerment and hindering prosecution and each face up to four years in prison.

All three have pleaded not guilty and they have been suspended from the force.

Defense attorneys have said Mineo is lying in order to make money and that Mineo's injuries stem from a pre-existing condition.

Prosecutors say DNA evidence proves Mineo's story.

Mineo has also filed a multimillion-dollar civil lawsuit.

Defense lawyers are expected to cross examine Mineo on Tuesday.