KISSIMMEE, Fla. – A former Kissimmee police officer whose case led to a major overhaul of the Kissimmee Police Department was sentenced on Monday.
Andrew Baseggio pleaded guilty earlier this year to felony battery, witness tampering, and official misconduct as part of a deal with prosecutors.
Baseggio will serve nine months in Osceola County Jail, including two days already served. His sentence also includes 18 months of supervised probation, a 12-hour anger management course, 50 hours of community service, restitution to the victim, and payment of court costs.
In April 2023, prosecutors said Baseggio entered a home without a warrant and used force “not consistent with (the) Kissimmee Police Department’s use of force policy” to take a man into custody, causing the man to suffer serious bodily injuries.
[VIDEO BELOW: KPD officer pleads guilty in use-of-force case]
Baseggio was then accused of falsifying his report and soliciting another officer to commit perjury to cover up what happened.
The case sparked a broader investigation of the Kissimmee Police Department, which ultimately led to the resignation of Chief Betty Holland and Deputy Chief Camille Alicea.
A grand jury also revealed the actions of 11 officers, raising concerns about honesty and a “culture of silence within the department.“
In a statement to the court, Baseggio apologized ahead of his sentencing.
“But it was more than just Sean that I hurt,” Baseggio said. “My conduct put a blemish on all police officers in general, specifically KPD officers. I swore to uphold the law and protect the community, and on that night and in my actions later on, impacted public trust and safety.”
Meanwhile, a defense attorney for Baseggio spoke out in reference to the culture at KPD:
“There was a culture there that was a cancer,” said Baseggio’s defense attorney. “That culture by and large has been removed and by and large because of his cooperation, and continued cooperation if need be. Despite that culture, he’s thrived.”
The defense asked the judge to look at Baseggio holistically and said they were there for “one dot on the timeline.”
The defense also asked the judge when determining Baseggio’s sentence to consider not only Baseggio’s record with the Kissimmee Police Department, but also the fact that he suffered from a traumatic brain injury after he was involved in an accident in July 2024.
The defense said as a result of the accident, Baseggio suffers from several complications.
But prosecutors argued this was not one act in one incident.
“We are not here with this defendant before the court to focus on just that one moment,” prosecutors said. “We are also here asking for justice, asking for accountability, for what this defendant did in the weeks and months that followed that one act.”
After the sentencing, KPD sent News 6 the following statement:
“This case involved a former police officer whose conduct did not align with the standards and values of the Kissimmee Police Department and the honorable profession of law enforcement. Followingan independent investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the department took decisive disciplinary action and implemented significant and meaningful reforms. We remain committed to accountability and continuous improvement to demonstrate that our department serves the community with professionalism, transparency, and integrity."
Kissimmee Police Department