Indianapolis judge Jane Magnus-Stinson said that police officer Eric Huxley enacted "senseless brutality" before sentencing him to a year and a day in federal prison for stomping a handcuffed Jermaine Vaughn during a 2021 arrest.
The incident, caught on body camera footage, drew nationwide attention and condemnation. Huxley will also serve six months of home detention upon his release from prison. Huxley had initially claimed that the kick was accidental while trying to hold Vaughn down with his foot, a claim the judge rejected. Vaughn was completely restrained and posed no threat when the incident occurred.
Huxley's plea agreement led to the federal charge of deprivation of rights under color of law, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. A resignation from the Indianapolis police force is imminent for Huxley, bypassing the need for a hearing by the Indianapolis Civilian Police Merit Board. He still faces state charges of official misconduct and battery in a pending case.
Vaughn has also filed a lawsuit against Huxley, the City of Indianapolis, and its police department, seeking compensation for intentional battery, excessive force, and other claims. Additionally, two officers present during Vaughn's arrest have sued the police department, alleging retaliation after reporting Huxley's actions.
Link: USA Today
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