PATERSON, New Jersey - August 16, 2010 - Former Prospect Park police chief Frank Franco pleaded guilty Monday to assaulting a handcuffed juvenile at the police station in 2008.

Franco, 52, of Wayne, pleaded guilty to a a charge of obstructing administration of law or other governmental function, a fourth-degree offense, before state Superior Court Judge Ernest M. Caposela in Paterson.

Franco admitted that on January 18, 2008, he physically assaulted a 16-year-old boy who had been arrested for a vehicle break-in. There had been several vehicle break-ins in the municipality, and it was the second time that the juvenile had been arrested in approximately 26 hours in connection with the crimes.

When Franco learned of the arrest by police radio, he came to police headquarters, where officers were processing the juvenile.

Franco admitted that he grabbed the juvenile by the neck with both hands, while the juvenile's hands were handcuffed behind his back, and shoved him approximately 24 feet along a wall. He also admitted taking a swing at the juvenile with his open hand.

Under the plea agreement, the state will recommend that Franco be sentenced to a term of probation and a fine to be set by the court. He will be permanently barred from public employment in New Jersey.

Franco retired from his position as police chief earlier this month.

Caposela scheduled sentencing for October 15.

Deputy Attorney General Thomas Clark is handling the prosecution. The investigation was conducted for the state Division of Criminal Justice by Clark, and Detectives Michael Behar and Laura Clarke.