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Officer punches man repeatedly in the face while handcuffed.
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Prince George’s County Corporal Stephen Downey today was sentenced to five years, suspending all but six months, in jail for assaulting a citizen who was while handcuffed behind his back.
On August 8, 2019, Downey, 32, was found guilty of second degree assault and misconduct. Upon his release, he will be on supervised probation for three years. Corporal must also complete anger management and perform 100 hours of community service. On October 29, 2018, Prince George’s County police officers responded to a call for service at a CVS Pharmacy in Temple Hills. One of the officers placed a man under arrest, handcuffed him behind his back, and secured the victim with a seat belt in the front seat of the officer’s cruiser. At some point after the victim was detained in the police cruiser, Corporal Downey punched him in the face multiple times. Subsequently, the victim was transported to the hospital to be treated for the injuries he sustained from this incident. The judge returned the guilty verdict after a two-day trial. “Cases like these are especially concerning because police officers are sworn to protect the public,” said State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy. “When the public trust is violated our community suffers. In every case, no matter the position or status of the defendant, we will prosecute and seek justice for victims." ### Contact: Denise Roberts | Phone: 240-832-4970 | Email: dgroberts@co.pg.md.us