Chief Magaw Responds to Officer's Entering of Alford Plea

Police Officer First Class Jerry Thomas entered an Alford Plea today to one count of misconduct in office. The incident involves conduct which occurred while Officer Thomas was on duty in late 2012. The officer struck a handcuffed juvenile suspect.

The Internal Affairs Division launched an investigation in early 2013, following a routine, internal use of force review. When the investigation was complete, the investigation was forwarded to the State’s Attorney’s Office. Officer Thomas’s police powers were suspended in November of 2013.

The Chief today is holding a news conference about the trial's outcome with Prince George's County State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks.

“The trust our community has placed in us is sacred to me. I can assure the community any officer who violates that trust will be held accountable," said Chief Mark Magaw.

Thomas has been employed by the PGPD for five years and was assigned to the Bureau of Patrol.