Police: Police officer Anthony Battisti hired hitman Timothy Gersbeck to murder his wife

Barcelo for News

Officer Anthony Battisti

A New York City police officer with more than 17 years on the force was charged with hiring a hitman to kill his ex-wife, authorities said.

Officer Anthony Battisti, who was suspended from his job in January after the alleged killer was arrested, looked down and said nothing as his lawyer pleaded not guilty on his behalf in Nassau County Criminal Court earlier today.

Stephen Scaring, attorney for the defense said his client has an “unblemished record,” and is being setup by the known killer.

“We are talking about a guy who openly committed a crime and then looked for the easiest way out,” Scaring said.  “The easiest way out was to attack a police officer, accuse him of it.”

According to 34-year-old Timothy Gersbeck, who was arrested by Long Island police shortly after stabbing Patricia Battisti in the neck with a screwdriver outside her home, the officer paid him $5,000 to kill his ex-wife.

Scaring said his client had no reason to want his ex-wife dead.  “Everything was working in my client’s favor,” and he was about to get custody of his kids.

Battisti, 42, who is scheduled to appear in court next Wednesday, faces life in prison if convicted of attempted murder, conspiracy, assault and criminal possession of a weapon charges.

Alleged killer Timothy Gersbeck