IMPD sergeant indicted by federal grand jury for using excessive force

An Indianapolis police sergeant has been indicted by a federal grand jury for using excessive force.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday that Eric Huxley, 44, is charged with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law.

Body camera footage shows Huxley kicking a handcuffed man, identified as Jermaine Vaughn, in the face while placing him under arrest on Monument Circle in September 2021. The indictment alleges that the force was used without lawful justification. Additionally, the offense resulted in bodily injury to Vaughn, and involved the use of a dangerous weapon, the indictment says.

Huxley also faces local charges for the incident. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department announced last October that Huxley was charged with one felony count of official misconduct and one count of battery resulting in moderate injury.

Huxley, a 15-year veteran with the department, is still suspended without pay, pending a recommendation of termination to the IMPD Civilian Police Merit Board. The board will review the case once the criminal process is complete.

“This incident was unnecessary and should have never occurred,”  IMPD Chief Randal Taylor said in a statement. “I would not tolerate this behavior from any community member; Sergeant Huxley is no exception. As law enforcement officers, we must understand that this behavior violates the community's trust. We have confidence the judicial system will bring justice to Mr. Vaughn and his family.”

Last month, two officers filed a federal lawsuit against IMPD, alleging that after they reported Huxley for the incident, they were retaliated against.