Ex-RI police officer accused of beating teen pleads guilty to civil rights charge

Ex-RI officer pleads guilty in case of beaten teen

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A former Rhode Island police officer has pleaded guilty to a civil rights charge in the beating of a teenage boy in his custody.

John H. Douglas pleaded guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Providence to depriving the teen of his civil rights. He faces up to 10 years in prison, but prosecutors have agreed to recommend a reduced sentence.

Douglas was indicted in December on charges of striking the teen in the Woonsocket police station after an arrest. An FBI investigation began after the teen showed up in juvenile court badly injured and said several officers had beaten him.

Douglas did not comment when leaving court. His lawyer, Thomas Briody, told reporters Douglas was an excellent police officer who is accepting responsibility for a mistake.

Douglas resigned from the force this week.