Four Edison police officers accused of retaliating against a fellow officer for using a drunk driving ticket to one of the officer's friends will now be held in June.
NEW BRUNSWICK -- Four Edison police officers accused of retaliating against a fellow officer for a drunk driving arrest will face trial in June.
Michael Dotro, Victor Aravena, William Gesell and Brian Favretto were scheduled to go on trial in May, but due to the large jury panel that will have to be called for the trial, Superior Court Judge Alberto Rivas put off the case for a month.
They are accused of hatching a scheme to retaliate against a North Brunswick officer who had arrested Dotro's friend for driving drunk, even though the driver had flashed a police union card.
Rivas announced the new trial date of June 9, 2016, Monday morning a status conference hearing.
Related: Edison cops deny retaliating against officer who issued DUI ticket
Lawyers for the officers tried to get the indictment against their clients dismissed, but the judge denied their motions.
Dotro is also awaiting a separate trial on charges he set his superior's house's house on fire, endangering the lives of the then-captain's wife, children and mother. He pleaded not guilty to arson and attempted murder charges, but the trial on those charges won't begin until after the trial on retaliation case is completed.
All four officers are suspended without pay.
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