18-Year-Old Man Faces Life Sentence for Assaulting Witness’s Son in Retaliation
Schenectady, NY — An 18-year-old man, Patrick Civitello, has pleaded guilty to witness retaliation for assaulting a 15-year-old boy, a direct response to the boy’s mother testifying against Civitello’s family in a federal drug trial.
The incident highlights the severe repercussions of witness intimidation in the justice system.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, Civitello admitted to the assault during court proceedings.
This event stemmed from the mother’s testimony in April 2023 against Civitello’s father, Jeffrey Civitello Sr., and brother, Jeffrey Civitello Jr., both convicted of federal drug trafficking charges in Albany.
Court records detail that on May 19, 2024, Civitello encountered the victim, identified as V-2, and his mother, referred to as V-1, at a restaurant in Glenville, New York.
During a phone call with his incarcerated brother, Civitello expressed his intention to retaliate, stating, “I gotta rag this [expletive].” His brother allegedly encouraged him to act but advised him to do so discreetly.
As V-1 and V-2 left the restaurant, Civitello followed them into the parking lot. Before launching his attack, he removed his watch and bag, demonstrating a calculated approach to the assault.
He then reportedly punched V-2 in the head, continuing the assault even as the teenager fell to the ground, resulting in minor injuries, including abrasions and bruising.
Civitello has been in custody since his arrest on June 13, 2024. He is scheduled for sentencing on February 28, 2025, where he faces a potential life sentence.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office indicated that he could also receive up to five years of supervised release following his imprisonment.
This case underscores the dangers faced by individuals who participate in the justice system, particularly in cases involving organized crime and drug trafficking.
The retaliatory nature of the assault against V-2 raises serious concerns regarding the safety of witnesses and their families.
As the judicial process continues, the implications of Civitello’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against witness intimidation and the need for protection for those who come forward to testify.