Former Terre Haute police officer, John Doe, has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of official misconduct. The 15-year veteran of the police department was accused of using excessive force during an arrest in December 2019.
According to court records, Doe was responding to a call regarding a domestic disturbance when he encountered the suspect, Jane Smith. After a brief altercation, Doe allegedly used his baton multiple times on Smith’s back and head while she was lying face down on the ground.
The incident was captured on body camera footage and sparked outrage in the community. The Terre Haute Police Department launched an internal investigation, which ultimately led to Doe’s termination from the force.
Doe was originally charged with felony battery and official misconduct, but under a plea agreement reached with prosecutors, the former officer pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor official misconduct. The felony charge will be dismissed at sentencing.
As part of the plea deal, Doe has agreed to serve one year of probation and complete anger management counseling. He will also be barred from future employment as a law enforcement officer.
During his time on the force, Doe received numerous commendations for his dedication and service to the community. However, this incident has tarnished his reputation and caused harm to the victim.
In a statement, Terre Haute Police Chief Michael Sparks expressed disappointment in Doe’s actions and emphasized that they do not reflect the values of the department. He also reassured the public that incidents like this will not be tolerated and steps are being taken to prevent them from happening again in the future.
According to data from the National Police Misconduct Reporting Project, there have been over 1,300 documented cases of police misconduct in Indiana since 2010. This case serves as a reminder that accountability for law enforcement officers is crucial in maintaining public trust and upholding the integrity of the justice system.
Smith’s attorney, John Jones, stated that while his client is satisfied with Doe’s guilty plea, she believes that more should be done to address systemic issues within law enforcement. He also hopes that this case will lead to necessary reforms and changes in training and policies for police officers.
