Date Published: June 27, 2006   

Former trooper pleads guilty to misconduct

The Associated Press

A former state Highway Patrol trooper pleaded guilty to misconduct in office after he was accused of punching and kicking a teenager in handcuffs last year.

David Chapman, 39, a former lance corporal who was an officer for 14 years, faces up to 10 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

Chapman's attorney John O'Leary said Monday his client overreacted during the February 2005 incident but had no criminal intent. An in-car camera videotaped Chapman beating 16-year-old Phong Van Nguyen, who had already been subdued after leading officers on a 10-minute chase.

Chapman also was investigated but cleared with another officer after they shot into an oncoming vehicle about five months before the February assault.

O'Leary said the assault was brought on by stress from the shooting, which injured two people. Chapman is being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder, O'Leary said.

Chapman pleaded guilty Friday, just days before his trial.

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Information from: Herald-Journal,