The former Mount Kisco police officer charged in the death of a homeless immigrant was in court Thursday with a new lawyer by his side.

George Bubaris resigned from the police force this week to avoid disciplinary charges from the department. Bubaris, 31, is charged with second-degree manslaughter, unlawful imprisonment and official misconduct in the death of Rene Perez.

Perez, 41, was found near death on Byram Lake Road in Bedford on April 28, 2007. Bubaris was one of three Mount Kisco officers to respond to a drunken call for help from Perez hours before his death. The prosecution contends Bubaris beat Perez and dumped him on the side of the road.

Bubaris? new attorney, Andrew Quinn, wouldn?t discuss the case with the media until he has a chance to review all the files. However, he did say he has confidence in his client?s innocence.?I don't think George Bubaris is responsible for the death of Rene Perez directly or indirectly and that's what we intend to prove,? says Quinn.

Quinn was given a month by the judge to get up to speed. Bubaris is free on $100,000 bail. The case is expected to go to trial in the spring. Mt. Kisco cop accused in immigrant's death resigns Bedford P.D. records requested in Mt. Kisco cop case