Police Officer Convicted in Student Assault

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A Prince George’s County Police officer who was supposed to be a role model for teens at an area high school was convicted Monday of punching a student.

Police Officer First Class Charles Pickard was convicted of second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and one count of malfeasance, police say.

Authorities say that Pickard hit a student while he was on duty Nov. 12, 2013, as a school resource officer at Suitland High School.

Pickard’s police powers were suspended on Nov. 14, 2013.

“One of the key reasons we have school resource officers in our schools is to serve as an example to students. When one of these officers abuses that authority, it won’t be tolerated and that officer will be held accountable,” said Police Chief Mark Magaw at a news conference.

Pickard has been employed by the PGPD for six years and was assigned to the Bureau of Patrol.

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