WASHINGTON — A Prince George’s County police officer was found guilty Monday of assaulting a high school student in 2013.
Officer Charles Pickard was found guilty of second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct after his bench trial wrapped up.
He could face up to 15 years in prison. A sentencing hearing is set for July 2.
State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks says that Pickard punched the student, who is now a high school senior. She called the case “disturbing.”
Pickard had been working as a school resource officer at Suitland High School in November 2013 when he assaulted, then arrested, the boy.
Pickard has been suspended since November 2013 after an internal use of force review uncovered the attack. He has been with the police department for six years, according to the Prince George’s County Police Department.
In a statement, Police Chief Mark Magaw says that school resource officers are expected to serve as an example to students and that any abuse of authority won’t be tolerated.
WTOP’s Kathy Stewart contributed to this report from Upper Marlboro.
