Congratulations to Our Colleague Andrew Ganz for Not Guilty Verdict in Trial of Petaluma Sergeant Lance Novello
A Sonoma County jury has acquitted retired Petaluma Police Sergeant Lance Novello at the conclusion of a two-week trial. Sgt. Novello was charged with simple assault and assault under color of authority in the aftermath of a July 20, 2020 interaction with a citizen in a hospital parking lot. Novello was Petaluma’s 2016 Officer of the Year.
“Reality is much different than it is so often portrayed when it comes to cases like this. I believe the jury recognized that very quickly here. It’s time to stop using the criminal justice system as a political tool and to start actually and honestly working toward improving our society,” said Ganz.
Both Ganz and Sgt. Novello expressed their appreciation for the jury’s diligence. After their verdict, several jurors shook Sgt. Novello’s hand and thanked him for his service.
Congratulations Andrew!
