Randall was held without bail after a brief appearance before US Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal. A hearing to determine whether he should be released on bail is scheduled for Monday.

Todd Randall could now face stiffer penalties than he would have under a plea agreement he reached in September.

A disgraced former Revere police officer who pleaded guilty in September to lying to investigators was back before a US court judge in Boston yesterday, this time for allegedly attacking a news blogger who criticized him on the Internet.

According to court records, Randall attacked Richard Ireton, the reporter and publisher of the North Shore Tab, an online community news site, in a Dunkin’ Donuts shop.


Special Agent Kevin D. Constantine of the FBI wrote that “Todd Randall instigated this disturbance by walking into the Dunkin’ Donuts and striking [Ireton] in the back of the head, thereby triggering a brawl.’’

Constantine wrote that he confirmed the account through a witness interview and surveillance footage.

Revere police were called, and the matter was turned over to the FBI. Ireton sought a charge of assault and battery against Randall in Chelsea District Court. A hearing is scheduled for Nov. 16.

The alleged attack occurred on Sept. 12, less than a week after Randall pleaded guilty to lying to investigators who captured him on surveillance tape collecting a $200 bribe in Everett while he was on duty.

Randall had faced up to five years in prison, but prosecutors agreed to seek a sentence of no longer than 15 months based on his quick acceptance of responsibility. A sentencing hearing was scheduled for Dec. 13.

Police Captain Michael Murphy said that Randall resigned from the department in August. Randall had a history of disciplinary issues. Not long before his arrest he had served a suspension for what Murphy called an unrelated matter.


Milton J. Valencia can be reached at mvalencia@globe.com.