He was 26 years old when he made a split-second decision to protect his life and the lives of his fellow officers during a dangerous pursuit through the streets of Newark.
Now he’s sitting in prison, sentenced to 27 years—away from his four young children and terminally ill mother - for doing what any well-trained, courageous police officer would have done.
I’ve seen a lot of injustice in my 40+ years of police work and legal defense. But this one feels personal.
That’s why I’m reaching out today—not just to tell you Officer Crespo’s story, but to ask you, directly: will you sponsor a gift right now to help us fight this conviction and bring him home to his family?
Even $35, $75, or $150 could help us fund his appeal.
This all began in January of 2019, when Crespo responded to a call from another officer who had just pulled over a vehicle. The officer saw a gun inside, and the suspect sped off. A pursuit began. The driver and passenger slowed down, sped up, swerved, baiting police into a dangerous chase. Then they pointed a loaded semi-automatic weapon at the officers.
And then—they tried to run Officer Crespo over.
He did what he had to do.
Later, he said, “I could have been dead. I believe my actions kept me alive. I think about my four kids I have and I thank God I got to go home that night.”
But that night would be the last time he felt safe.
Instead of being honored for bravery, he was suspended without pay. Then indicted. Then found guilty of aggravated manslaughter.
And now—he’s serving 27 years.
That’s more than some murderers. That’s more than some child predators. And all for surviving a gunfight.
I’m Jim Fotis, President of the National Center for Police Defense.
I served as a police officer in Lynbrook, New York. I served my country in the U.S. Army. I’ve helped pass national legislation to protect our law enforcement officers. And I’ve spent decades defending men and women just like Jovanny Crespo—officers caught in the crosshairs of a political system that’s more interested in making headlines than finding the truth.
And I’m telling you right now: this isn’t just about Officer Crespo. If we let this stand, we’re telling every cop in America that their lives are disposable.
That if they protect themselves, they’ll be punished.
That if they act fast, they’ll go down alone.
That if they wear the badge, they’re on borrowed time.
We cannot let that be the message.
That’s why I’m asking—urgently—will you make a gift right now to support Officer Crespo’s legal appeal?
Your donation will help fund expert legal work, provide for his family, and make sure this young father doesn’t lose the next three decades of his life for doing his duty.
We don’t have a big war chest. We don’t have Hollywood lawyers or left-wing donors. We have you.
And Officer Crespo’s family is counting on us.
But we’re running out of time—and out of resources.
That’s why your support today is so vital.
It helps cover the next filing.
It helps fund transcripts and legal prep.
It keeps this case moving forward when others want to shut it down.
And most importantly—it reminds Jovanny and his family that they are not alone.
I’ve been in his shoes. I’ve walked that line. I know what it feels like to wonder whether you’ll survive the day.
But I never imagined surviving would lead to prison.
Please, click here to give now, and help us fight back against this broken system that punishes police and protects criminals.
Gratefully,
Jim Fotis
President, National Center for Police Defense Former Police Officer | Army Veteran
P.S. Officer Crespo’s appeal is pending—and the decision could come down any day. We need your help to keep this fight alive. Please give now and stand with a hero who should be home with his kids—not behind bars for protecting his life.
