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Former Inkster Officer Melendez Convicted In Beating Case
Facts
On January 28, 2015 at approximately 9:45 p.m., former Inkster Officer William Melendez was on
duty, driving a fully marked patrol car with another officer. Melendez pulled over and arrested
Floyd Dent, 57, of Detroit, at a location near South River Drive and Inkster Road for possessing
cocaine and resisting arrest It is alleged that, during the arrest, Melendez physically assaulted
Dent, causing severe injuries that required admission to a local hospital for treatment of his
injuries. On January 30, 2015, Dent was charged with Possession of Cocaine and Resisting and
Obstructing the Police The preliminary examination was held on March 18, 2015 before 22nd
District Court Judge Sabrina Johnson; Dent was bound over on the Possession of Cocaine charge
and the Resisting and Obstructing charge was dismissed.
Investigation
On March 23, 2015, the matter was referred to the Michigan State Police (MSP), who conducted
an investigation into the matter. When the MSP investigation concluded, it was turned over to the
Wayne County Prosecutors Office and a separate and independent investigation was conducted.
WCPO reviewed police and televised video footage leading up to the arrest and assault of Dent,
witness statements, police documents, radio and dispatch recordings, photographs of Dent's
injuries, statements made by Dent and interviews of officers who responded to the scene where
Dent was arrested.
Charging Decision
After a thorough review of the facts, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office determined that in the best interests of justice, the Possession of Cocaine case against Floyd Dent will be dismissed. On April 20, 2015 Wayne County Prosecutor's Office charged William Melendez, with Misconduct in Office (Five year maximum penalty) and Assault with Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm Less than Murder (10 year maximum penalty) and Assault by Strangulation (10 year maximum penalty).
Jury Trial Verdict
After a 12 day jury trial before Judge Vonda Evans, today the jury came back with a verdict of guilty on Misconduct in Office (Five year maximum penalty), and guilty of Assault with Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm Less than Murder (10 year maximum penalty). He was found not guilty of Assault by Strangulation (10 year maximum penalty). The defendant was remanded to jail and will have his sentence hearing on December 3, 2015.
Prosecutor Worthy said, "Public confidence in law enforcement is eroded when police officers abuse citizens. The jury's verdict in this case is important because it shows that police brutality cannot and will not be tolerated."
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