Log In


Reset Password
News Education Local News Nation & World New Mexico

Man who bit police officer sentenced

Judge says Cedric Quintana is ‘extremely lucky in so many ways’
Quintana

Almost two years ago to the day, an alcohol-infused Cedric Quintana bit down on a police officer’s finger, refusing to let go until a Taser was used on him. On Wednesday, he accepted a plea deal that a district judge called “extremely lucky.”

Quintana, 34, will be placed on probation for two years for resisting arrest and receive a two-year deferred judgment and sentence for menacing. He will also pay restitution of more than $30,000 and adhere to any other conditions imposed by the court.

If Quintana meets those conditions, all other charges will be dismissed. The plea agreement was reached after a mistrial in July that ended in a 6-6 jury deadlock.

“You’re extremely lucky in so many ways,” District Judge Jeffrey Wilson said. “I don’t want to criticize the jury, but what happened surprised me. I don’t know if that would have happened twice.”

Wilson said when Quintana bit down on Sgt. Bobby Taylor’s right pinky finger on Sept. 20, 2013, after Durango police responded to a call from Quintana’s roommate who said he was causing a noise disturbance, the officer was justified to use “much more force.”

Deputy District Attorney Reid Stewart agreed. He referenced a recent incident in Miami where a police officer shot and killed a man who bit and nearly severed an officer’s finger.

“I am very thankful we are not in that situation here,” Stewart said.

Heather Little, Quintana’s public defender, said her client made poor decisions that night because he consumed too much alcohol and suffered from mental-health issues.

“He got into the habit of self-medicating, and that erupted on the night of Sept. 20,” Little told the judge. “Ultimately, what’s happened the last two years doesn’t define who Mr. Quintana is as a person. He’s not a violent person. He doesn’t harbor aggression or hatred for the police.”

Quintana, well-mannered and quiet before the judge, said the year he spent in prison was a wake-up call to change some things in his life, and he pledged not to violate the terms of his probation.

Wilson said if that happened, Quintana is “screwed.”

“I’ve seen you when I know you’re sober, but my guess is you’re a totally different person (when intoxicated),” Wilson said.

“I’m willing to do this (plea agreement) but you need to take it seriously. ... I hope I don’t see you again, but you know what’s going to happen if I do.”

jromeo@durangoherald.com

Sep 17, 2015
Man who bit officer takes deal
Jul 10, 2015
Finger-biting trial ends in jury deadlock
Jul 9, 2015
Finger-biter’s fate deliberated
Jul 6, 2015
Finger-biting trial begins


Reader Comments