Kissimmee police officer charged with excessive force, 10 more under investigation

Kissimmee, Florida – A Kissimmee police officer is accused of assaulting a man in his home while other officers allegedly covered it up. Now the state prosecutor is asking the question.

The body camera footage led to the resignation of Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland, and 10 other officers are also under investigation.

State Attorney Andrew Bain said most law enforcement officers want to do the right thing, but stressed that those who break the law must be held accountable, especially those responsible for enforcing it.

RELATED: Kissimmee police chief, deputy chief resign amid use-of-force investigation, ‘systemic’ problems

Body camera footage shows a struggle between Sean Kastner and his father outside their home. Police then enter the residence, but the video cuts to black. What happened next at the house prompted Bain’s office to open a use-of-force investigation in April 2023.

One police officer at the scene described the incident, saying: “We tackled him to arrest him and he was sweating. He has no shirt on. We pressed him to the couch. He kept fighting so I gave him a couple of knees to the face – good ones – cracked his face all over.”

MORE STORIES:

The officer added that he used a Taser on Kastner, who was later arrested with visible injuries, including blood on his face and something stuck in his back. The incident prompted an internal integrity investigation into the department.

Officer Andrew Baseggio is among those charged with misconduct. According to Bain’s office, he admitted to asking a fellow officer to testify falsely. Bazeggio also allegedly entered the home without a warrant and used excessive force, violating department policy and causing serious injury to Kastner.

In a separate statement, the state attorney’s office said the sworn testimony of Holland’s former chief contradicted other evidence in the case. Bain said, “We have to be able to hold ourselves accountable, especially those who are law enforcement.”

The Kissimmee City Commission issued a statement promising to restore confidence in the police department and welcoming a new interim chief.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: