Cop busted for allegedly lying about what led to the arrest of photographer

An NYPD officer was arrested and indicted yesterday on charges of tampering with public records, falsifying business records, official misconduct, and other offenses in connection with the improper arrest of a New York Times freelance photographer on Aug. 4, 2012, according to the Bronx District Attorney.

Michael Ackerman, 30, pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of the most serious charge.

The case stems from a 2012 incident in which Robert Stolarik, who was photographing a developing street fight in the Concourse section of the Bronx, was arrested and charged with obstructing government administration and resisting arrest. Ackerman claimed that Stolarik interfered with his arrest of a juvenile by repeatedly discharging his camera's flash in his face, but an investigation determined that Stolarik's camera had no flash capacity or flash attachment. All charges against Stolarik were dismissed.

The lawyer for Ackerman could not be reached by deadline.