Asher's lawyers want case moved

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Attorneys for former Springfield Police Officer Jeffrey Asher want his case moved out of Western Massachusetts. A change of venue was requested during a conference in Chicopee District Court on Monday morning. Asher’s lawyers want the case moved to Worcester County.

The judge said that the request will be considered, and a decision will be made for the next conference, which will be held on January 28.

Asher has pleaded not guilty to assault charges for allegedly beating Melvin Jones III with a flashlight. The incident was caught on cell phone video, and some have called the incident an example of police brutality. Asher has maintained that his actions were justified, saying that Jones had tried to grab another officer’s gun.

Protestors from the group Community Coalition for Justice greeted Asher outside the courthouse. One protestor told 22News that the possibility that the case will move to Worcester will not deter them from demonstrating. "We will continue to do this. We're aware of the change of venue to Worcester and we will be in Worcester and we're not going to stop until we make this a national spectacle," Community Activist Garry Porter said.

Commissioner William Fitchet fired Asher in October. Three other members of the Department, Lieutenant John Bobianski and Patrolmen Thomas Sedergren and Theodore Truoilo, had been suspended without pay in connection with the incident.

Monday’s conference was originally scheduled to be held at Holyoke District Court.