Kissimmee police officer accused of using excessive force, 10 others under investigation

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

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

State’s Attorney Andrew Bain said most law enforcement officers try 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 and deputy resign amid use-of-force investigation and ‘systemic’ issues

Bodycam footage shows a fight between Sean Kastner and his father outside their home. Officers then enter the residence, but the video fades to black. What happened next at the home prompted Bain’s office to open a use of force investigation in April 2023.

One officer at the scene described the incident, saying: “We went at him to arrest him, he’s sweaty. He’s not wearing a shirt. We pinned him to the couch. He kept fighting, so I gave him a few spikes in the face – good ones – that cut his face open. There was blood everywhere.

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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 investigation into the department’s integrity.

Officer Andrew Baseggio is among those accused of misconduct. According to Bain’s office, he admitted to asking another officer to commit perjury. Baseggio also allegedly entered the home without a warrant and used excessive force, violating department policy and causing Kastner serious injuries.

In a separate finding, the state prosecutor’s office said former Chief Holland’s sworn testimony conflicts with other evidence in the case. Bain said: “We must be able to hold ourselves accountable, especially those who enforce the law.”

The Kissimmee City Commission released a statement pledging to restore trust in the police and welcoming a new interim chief.

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