“A hard head makes for a soft behind.” That saying may not be the most appropriate for someone going to prison, but it’s definitely appropriate for Jenchesky Santiago. The former Prince George’s County, Maryland, cop was convicted of assault last month and has been sentenced to the minimum term of five years in prison without the possibility of parole. Santiago faced a maximum of 45 years in prison for his crimes.
Santiago, who was fired and may also be dishonorably discharged from the Navy, was convicted in December of first and second-degree assault, use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence, and misconduct in the office for holding a gun to the head of motorist William Cunningham. The incident happened in May 2014.
Cunningham and his cousin had driven to Cunningham’s home and allegedly parked illegally in front of the residence. Santiago claimed he was making an investigative traffic stop, but prosecutors charged that Santiago was “showing off” for some friends who were on an unauthorized ride-along with him. Cunningham attempted to walk away and enter his home when Santiago pulled his weapon and followed Cunningham to the house, ordering him back into the car. Santiago argued that Cunningham had cursed at him and he pulled his weapon to gain a tactical advantage. You can view the video of that incident below the fold.
After his conviction last month, Santiago was recorded speaking to his mother on a Prince George’s County jail phone. In that conversation he tells her that the victim (Cunningham) owes him an apology because “all he wanted was a payday.”