PATERSON -- The city will likely pay for unused vacation time for a Paterson Police Officer who has spent the last eight years on paid leave after being accused of sexual assault, the Paterson Press reported.



Manuel Avila was accused in criminal charges and a civil lawsuit of forcing a female prisoner to perform oral sex on him. He was acquitted of the criminal charges, but the city settled the lawsuit for $710,000.



Disciplinary hearings for Avila have dragged for years. Avila has more than 25 years on the force and is eligible to retire with a full pension and lifetime medical benefits.



The hearings are nearing their end, Domenick Stampone, the law director for Paterson, said.



After initially trying to fire Avila, the city is now arranging for him to retire, officials said. Avila's severence package, which will likely include vacation pay, will be based on the city's contract with the police union, Mayor Jose Torres said.



Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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