INDIANAPOLIS — An IMPD officer seen on camera stomping on a handcuffed man's face during a 2021 arrest pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal in federal court Monday in his rights violation case.
Eric Huxley was indicted by a grand jury in October 2022 on one count of deprivation of rights under color of law for his conduct during the Sept. 24, 2021, apprehension of Jermaine Vaughn on Monument Circle.
Huxley pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, with three years of supervised release after his release from prison.
The judge will determine Huxley's sentencing at a later date.
NOTE: The above video is from a previous report on Huxley facing federal charges.
IMPD video from the 2021 incident shows IMPD officers working to apprehend Vaughn. One of the officers held Vaughn's legs while the other handcuffed him. While Vaughn is on the ground, Huxley can be seen on body camera video kicking Vaughn in the face.
Police responded to Monument Circle in September 2021 after a call for disorderly conduct. Court documents say Vaughn, who was experiencing homelessness, was being "loud and disorderly" and was asked to quiet down. When he didn't, officers arrested him.
Huxley, who also faces state felony charges of official misconduct and battery, remains suspended without pay pending a recommendation of termination to the IMPD Civilian Police Merit Board. The Civilian Police Merit Board only reviews an officer’s status once the criminal process is completed.
Huxley is a 15-year veteran with the department.
Vaughn has sued the city of Indianapolis, Metro Police, Huxley and the other officers involved, in a civil case. He claims intentional battery, unlawful arrest, unlawful and excessive force, official misconduct, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotional distress in that case, which is pending. Last week, the city asked for a 30-day extension to respond to Vaughn's complaint, which was filed in February.