Ex-police officer pleads guilty in baton attack

A former Southeast Missouri police officer pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges for beating a suspect several times with his baton, authorities said.

George Nettleton, 28, of Hayti, Mo., was indicted by a federal grand jury in May. The attack happened Aug. 28 while Nettleton was an officer in Hayti.

Nettleton and the suspect were involved in a vehicle pursuit. After the car was stopped, the suspect was arrested by another officer. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Hahn said the suspect was not resisting arrest but that Nettleton struck him several times on the arm and back.

Nettleton has since left the department.

Hahn said federal statutes provide for civil rights charges if a police officer uses unreasonable force.

Sentencing was scheduled for Nov. 4.