INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis police officer who was caught on video apparently punching a student outside of Shortridge High School was sentenced to nearly a year of probation on Monday.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officer Robert Lawson was charged in 2019 after prosecutors said he gave false statements in a sworn affidavit signed under oath and falsely reported an observation of another officer.
He was found guilty in November of official misconduct, perjury and false informing, according to court records. Court records also show jurors acquitted him of battery and were unable to reach a verdict on an obstruction of justice charge.
On Monday, Marion Superior Court Judge Charnette Garner vacated his convictions of perjury and false informing, according to the court records.
WRTV left a message by phone for Garner and are waiting for a response.
She sentenced him to 363 days of probation on the official misconduct conviction, according to court records.
Michael Leffler, a spokesman for the Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, declined to comment Monday.
In a statement following the November conviction, Mears called the incident "unfortunate" and said it "required immediate attention and action."
"Incidents such as this further damage the trust we are working to rebuild between law enforcement and the community,” Mears said in November. “By holding this officer accountable, I hope this sends a clear and strong message to the community that this type of behavior is unacceptable.”
Video of the altercation, which circulated on social media in the days following the incident, appears to show Lawson striking a student.
IMPD has recommended the civilian police merit board terminate Lawson.
On Monday morning, IMPD said Lawson is still suspended without pay pending the termination recommendation.
"The IMPD legal advisor position is currently vacant," Lt. Shane Foley said in an email to WRTV. "The merit board hearing will be scheduled after that vacancy is filled."
-
Sunflower celebration at Waterman’s Family Farm welcomes fall
Waterman’s Family Farm planted over 11,000 seeds to fill the patch. The farm is inviting people to come and join them in picking the sunflowers and getting into the fall spirit.
Music on Main brings outdoor concerts to Beech Grove
Music on Main featured performances from the Bejeweled Trio: a Taylor Swift tribute band, Matt & Aly and 90 Proof. There were also activities for kids, a market with local artists and food trucks.
WNBA playoffs set to begin Sunday with all four first-round series underway
The defending champion Las Vegas Aces and A’ja Wilson will look to three-peat while sensation rookie Caitlin Clark makes her postseason debut when the WNBA playoffs begin Sunday.
Pedestrian killed in Morgan County crash
Upon arrival, deputies found a female victim lying in a ditch unresponsive. She was pronounced deceased on scene.
