Prosecutor urging board to drop parole for officer in beating

DETROIT (AP) - A prosecutor is urging the Michigan parole board to reconsider the release of a Detroit-area police officer after he serves his minimum prison sentence for beating a motorist.

William Melendez could be released soon after 13 months in custody. In 2015, Floyd Dent was pulled from his car in Inkster and punched in the head 16 times. He suffered broken ribs, blood on the brain and other injuries. The beating was recorded on video.

Prosecutor Kym Worthy told the parole board that Dent was the victim of "excessive brutality." TV station WDIV reported the contents of her letter Monday.

Melendez was sentenced to 13 months to 10 years in prison. After serving the minimum sentence, a prisoner is eligible for parole.

Published: Wed, Nov 02, 2016