NYC police officer acquitted of charges he hired hit man to kill ex-wife with screwdriver

NY cop acquitted of hiring hit man to kill ex-wife

MINEOLA, N.Y. — A New York City police officer has been acquitted of charges he hired a hit man to kill his ex-wife with a screwdriver.

A Nassau County jury on Wednesday found 43-year-old Anthony Battisti of Franklin Square not guilty of attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon. He was accused of hiring a handyman to kill his ex-wife.

Patricia Battisti was wounded with a screwdriver in a January 2009 attack outside her home. She has since recovered.

Two jurors said there was not enough evidence to convict.

Handyman Timothy Gersbeck pleaded guilty to attempted murder last year and is facing at least 8 years in prison.

The district attorney’s office did not immediately comment.

Information from: Newsday, www.newsday.com