A grand jury is expected to decide whether two Rochester police officers suspended after an alleged wrongful arrest and beating will be charged with crimes.

Last month, city and police officials announced that they had suspended two officers over possible excessive force in the May arrest of Christoper Pate.

The Rev. Lewis Stewart, who first brought the case to the public's attention, said Wednesday that he met with prosecutors and was told that allegations against the two officers would be presented to a grand jury.

Stewart, who heads the United Christian Leadership Ministry, has been a vocal proponent of tougher measures to ensure police accountability.

While city officials did not identify the officers, they have been identified in legal papers as Spenser McAvoy and Michael Sippel.

Pate, 37, said he was approached by officers in an unmarked vehicle at Fulton Avenue and Bloss Street around 4:45 p.m. on May 5. Officers said that Pate matched the description of an individual on their "most wanted" board.

Pate said that after he provided his identification and proved he wasn't the person they were seeking, the officers started a confrontation.

According to Pate, the officers tased and handcuffed him then punched him repeatedly, breaking bones in his face. The incident was captured on an officer's body-worn camera.

Pate was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, but those charges were dismissed a few days later in City Court.

(Includes reporting by staff writer Sean Lahman)

GCRAIG@Gannett.com

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