King County Sheriff's Deputy Edward Hicks has been charged with police brutality, for allegedly assaulting a citizen while on duty in Detroit.
On Wednesday, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced criminal charges were filed against three Detroit police officers.
One of them --- 29-year old Hicks -- now works for the King County Sheriff's Office.
Hicks has been charged with assaulting 31-year old Deonta Stewart -- in August of 2016 -- while on the job for the Detroit PD.
“It is alleged that Officer Hicks began punching Stewart in the face, multiple times, flipping him over and causing bleeding and some serious injuries,” Worthy announced at a news conference in Detroit on Wednesday.
Within six months of that alleged incident, Hicks was on the job here King County.
Late Wednesday, King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Sgt Cindi West, released the following statement about Hicks:
“He was hired in February of 2017 after a thorough background check which included a review of his internal files at the Detroit Police Department. We were not made aware of any disqualifying information or active investigations involving him.”
In addition to assault, Hicks was also charged with misconduct and obstruction of justice.
“It is further alleged that Mr. Hicks tried to get Mr. Stewart to lie about how Mr. Stewart obtained his injuries,” Worthy said.
Sgt. West told KIRO 7 there have been no reported problems with Hicks since he started working in King County.
While the department investigates the allegations, Hicks will continue to be paid while on administrative leave, according to West.
If convicted, Worthy said Hicks could spend 10 years in prison.
He has not been arrested.
Trending headlines
- Some SB I-5 lanes to open for first time since train derailment
- PHOTOS: Train derails onto I-5 in Washington
- PHOTOS: Massive locomotive moved after train derailment
- Engineer did not use emergency brake before deadly train derailment
- Auburn man identified as third victim killed in train derailment
- Seattle-area business to give bonuses to employees after Trump's tax cut