TRENTON, NJ— A state grand jury has decided not to bring criminal charges following the death of Rosita Diaz, 57, in Paterson Police Department custody on February 18, 2022. The case was presented to the grand jury by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) in line with the 2019 Independent Prosecutor Directive.
The investigation conducted by OPIA involved witness interviews, a review of body-worn camera and surveillance footage, and examination of medical records, autopsy, and toxicology results. The grand jury reviewed this evidence and concluded deliberations on Monday, choosing not to file charges against any officers involved.
Ms. Diaz was arrested on February 17, 2022, for alleged narcotics possession and was taken to a hospital multiple times before being found unresponsive in a police holding cell. At approximately 5:55 p.m. on February 18, 2022, she was discovered, and after EMS was called, she was pronounced dead at 6:16 p.m. Toxicology revealed the presence of fentanyl, para-flouro-fentanyl, and cocaine in her system.