Officer Enters Plea for Punching Handcuffed Teen

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A Prince George’s County Police officer entered an Alford Plea Thursday to one count of misconduct in office.

The plea doesn’t admit the act, but says Officer First Class Jerry Thomas acknowledges there is enough evidence to find him guilty. Police say Thomas struck a handcuffed juvenile suspect inside a jail cell in late 2012; he was indicted in October 2014.

Thomas’s police powers were suspended in November of 2013.

Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks said she will push for jail time when Thomas is sentenced in June.

“The trust our community has placed in us is sacred to me. I can assure the community any officer who violates that trust will be held accountable,” said Police Chief Mark Magaw.

He told reporters that punishment could include Thomas’ dismissal from the force.

Thomas’ conduct was inexcusable, Magaw said, and there is no place for it on the police department.

Thomas has been employed by the department for five years and was assigned to the Bureau of Patrol.