An NYPD officer is facing felony charges, accused of falsely arresting a man who tried to record him on a cellphone.

It happened back in March of 2014 on the corner of West 183rd Street and St. Nicholas Avenue in Washington Heights.

Prosecutors say video from three surveillance cameras in the area tell a different story than the one Officer Jonathan Munoz told in his arrest report.

In the video, you can see Munoz searching a woman who officials say he suspected of buying marijuana as 21-year-old Jason Desisto tries to intervene.

When Desisto gets a phone from his friend, Munoz takes him into custody with the help of two other officers.

Two other videos show the encounter from other angles.

Prosecutors say Munoz told superiors that Desisto interferred with the search, and that he took a fighting stance and swung at the officer.

Charges against Desisto were dropped after investigators saw the videos, which officials also say show that Munoz searched the woman illegally.



Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. released a statement, saying, "Had this officer’s attempts to conceal his alleged misconduct succeeded, an innocent man may still be facing charges for a fabricated crime."



Desisto's attorney also released a statement, saying, "We are delighted the New York County District Attorney’s office chose to make an example out of P.O. Jonathan Munoz. The routine fabrications and misstatements by members of the NYPD has to stop and we hope this indictment is a step in that direction."



Munoz is a nine-year veteran of the NYPD. He is facing two felony counts of filing a false document and official misconduct.

Munoz has been suspended without pay.