Michael Singleton, 43, is ordered to serve 18 months in county jail and three years probation.
By Matt Lait
Los Angeles Times
MAYWOOD, Calif. — A former Maywood police officer was sentenced today to 18 months in county jail for assaulting a handcuffed suspect and filing a false police report about the incident afterward.
Michael Singleton, 43, also was also ordered to serve three years probation upon his release from jail and to surrender any firearms in his possession.
Prosecutors had argued in a seven-day jury trial in June that Singleton rammed the prisoner’s head against a wall in retaliation for a stream of insults and behavior that included spitting at the officer.
The victim, Jose Bernal, was knocked unconscious, his nose was broken, and he suffered temporary paralysis to one side of his face.
Earlier this year, a jury deadlocked in favor of acquitting Singleton. His conviction at the retrial was a significant victory for the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office, which has struggled to win convictions in cases involving police brutality.
Judge Marcelita V. Haynes ordered Singleton to surrender to Sheriff’s Department officials on Nov. 4 to begin serving his sentence.
Copyright 2008 Los Angeles Times