WEST PALM BEACH, FL –-It was a shocking discovery. Dash cam video showing West Palm Beach Police Officers beating a handcuffed suspect. The event last May sparked an investigation. Now, two former officers are facing criminal charges.
Alan Johnson, Assistant State Attorney says, “Yes, they are serious charges. Any time a breach of public trust is a factor especially when there is violence.”
Former Officers Louis Schwartz and Kurt Graham went before Judge Thursday. They are charged with battery and trying to cover-up what they’re accused of doing.
Michael Salnick, defense attorney for Kurt Graham, says, "The allegations are somewhat surprising."
The charges are the result of FBI, West Palm Beach Police Department and State Attorney investigation. The pivotal evidence – the video.
"There's a lot more to this case then anyone has seen and that will have to be dealt with in court,” says Michael Salnick.
The suspect, Pablo Valenzuela, was accused of stealing narcotics from CVS. According to a police report, Valenzuela pepper sprayed the officers. He was handcuffed.
Then, he tried to bite one and spit on another.
The Mayor reacted to the charges, saying the two officers are not the norm.
Mayor Lois Frankel, West Palm Beach says, "This is an aberration and you know what we took quick action and their conduct was inappropriate.”
Last summer, Kurt Graham resigned. Louis Schwartz was for fired for using excessive force.
Family members didn’t want to talk about the criminal charges. Schwartz and Graham’s attorneys say their clients will plead not guilty.
Graham and Schwartz are free on their own recognizance. Another officer was fired over the incident. In the fall, Valenzuela was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest
