The Associated Press

LAPD Officer Caught on Camera Kicking, Punching Man Avoids Jail Time

A Los Angeles police officer has avoided jail time for kicking and punching a man during an arrest by fulfilling an agreement with prosecutors.

A Superior Court judge on Tuesday accepted a deal that allowed 36-year-old Richard Garcia to withdraw an earlier plea of no contest to felony assault under color of authority and enter a new no-contest plea to a misdemeanor assault charge.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the district attorney's office gave Garcia the opportunity to avoid jail and reduce the charge if he completed community service, stayed away from the victim and donated $500 to a charity.

Garcia faces a department disciplinary hearing that could result in his firing. Chief Charlie Beck says Garcia is no longer being paid.

The three-minute recording was obtained by the LA Times.

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