(03/27/07) RIVERHEAD ? Four Ocean Beach police officers surrendered in Riverhead Tuesday in connection with the alleged assault of a man in 2005.

Acting Police Chief George Hesse pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree assault, gang assault and unlawful imprisonment. The alleged victim, Sam Gilberd, claims he was beaten and sent to the hospital for slamming a door too hard. Three other part-time officers were charged with unlawful imprisonment, reckless endangerment and hindering the prosecution. Investigators say the three filed a false police report and failed to get immediate attention for the victim.

Hesse was ordered to post $100,000 bail. ?This indictment means nothing,? said Hesse?s defense attorney William Keahon. ?The presumption is my client is innocent.? Last week, five former officers filed a wrongful termination suit against the department. The ex-officers say they were targeted by Hesse because the chief feared they were cooperating with the district attorney.