Two years to the day after an S.C. trooper was captured on video using his patrol car to bump a running suspect, a federal judge on Tuesday approved a deal that will allow the trooper to perform community service and serve no prison time.
If he had gone to trial, Lance Cpl. Alexander Richardson could have faced up to a year in prison. Instead, he will perform about 100 hours of community service.
In January, Richardson was accused of a misdemeanor offense of violating Kevin Rucker's civil rights by using excessive force. An April 28, 2007, video shot from his patrol car dashboard camera shows the trooper chasing a black man through a Columbia apartment complex. The 46-year-old trooper drives between buildings, on sidewalks and past onlookers - including a small child - in an attempt to run down the man.
Richardson, who is also black, has said he accidentally bumped into Rucker, and records show he was reprimanded and completed a stress management course. He has been suspended since the investigation began, and his trial had been scheduled to begin next month.
Richardson was not in court Tuesday, but his attorney said he was pleased with the agreement.
"I appreciate the U.S. Attorney working with us," John O'Leary said after a brief hearing Tuesday. "We're working on the program for him."
Under the pretrial diversion program administered by the U.S. Probation Office, Richardson is videotaping safety messages to school, community and law enforcement groups, according to O'Leary.
During the program, which is expected to last 18 months, Richardson also will not be allowed to work as a law officer, a job that O'Leary said his client does not want to return to anyway.
Also Tuesday, prosecutors agreed to officially withdraw their complaint against Richardson, although Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin McDonald said his office could renew the charges if Richardson fails to complete the program.
Richardson still faces a federal lawsuit from the man struck with his vehicle. Last year, Kevin Rucker filed a suit seeking unspecified actual and punitive damages, alleging he was hit by the car three times.
Rucker's attorney did not immediately return a phone message Tuesday afternoon.
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http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20090429/NEWS/904290346/1001/NEWS01
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