A Department of Corrections Officer who resigned nearly a year ago is now facing criminal charges for allegedly slapping the back of the head of a handcuffed inmate.
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle says enough evidence has been collected "to prove beyond a reasonable doubt" that Reinaldo Palenzuela III committed Use of Force/Battery on a Detainee and then failed to Report Use of Force.
Rundle posted on Twitter saying, "There can never be an excuse for an officer abusing his authority. I believe that there is sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the charges filed today."
The incident apparently happened in a dormitory sally port at Everglades Correctional Institution.
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