APNewsBreak: Rhode Island officer to plead to civil rights charge in beating of teenager

RI officer to plead guilty in teen’s beating

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A white Rhode Island police officer accused of beating a black teenager has agreed to plead guilty to depriving the boy of his civil rights.

Prosecutors agreed Friday to drop an obstruction of justice charge against Woonsocket Officer John Douglas and recommend a reduced prison sentence.

Douglas was indicted in December after an FBI investigation that began after the boy showed up in court injured and said several officers had beaten him. He was 16 at the time.

Douglas was accused of punching the teen in a police station after his arrest in September. The boy was recognized as having escaped from a probationary program.

Douglas faces up to 10 years in prison but is likely to get less as part of his plea agreement.

Associated Press writer Michelle R. Smith contributed to this report.