Former Officer Scott Nugent Goes to Court on Taser Death

WINNFIELD

Motions will be heard today in the case of former Winnfield police officer Scott Nugent.

Nugent has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and malfeasance in office in the death of Baron Pikes.

Nugent allegedly shot Pikes, 21, with a Taser stun gun nine times within 14 minutes, according to police records and Winn Parish Coroner Randy Williams. Pikes died in police custody.

Nugent faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted.

The Winnfield Civil Service Board in September upheld the firing of Nugent

Only one of the five members of the panel voted to reinstate Nugent to the police force, Civil Service Board Chairman Ronald Melton said. The dissenting member said Nugent’s officer bill of rights was violated.

Nugent initially was suspended with pay.

The manner of Pikes’ death was homicide, Williams said, and Nugent pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter and malfeasance in office during an August arraignment.

Nugent was fired by Winnfield Police Chief Johnny Ray Carpenter after the suspension deadline passed. That firing was appealed to the civil service board but denied. The board’s decision can be appealed as well.

Pikes’ family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in August against not only Nugent but also the city of Winnfield, the mayor, City Council, police chief and other officers on the force, in addition to Taser International Inc. -- the manufacturer of the stun gun device Nugent used.



http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20081024/NEWS01/810240323