Suspended Indianapolis Police Sergeant sentenced to 1 Year in Federal Prison for using Excessive Force during arrest
Suspended Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Sergeant, Eric Huxley, 44, has been sentenced to 1 year and 1 day in federal prison after pleading guilty to violating the civil rights of an arrestee by using excessive force. According to court documents, on Sept. 24, 2021, Huxley, was on patrol in downtown Indianapolis when another officer requested his assistance in confronting a disorderly person on Monument Circle. After officers placed the victim, identified as J.V., under arrest for disorderly conduct, Huxley assisted other officers with conducting an inventory of J.V.’s property.
When officers began to remove J.V.’s belt, he became confrontational with the officers. The primary arresting officer used a department-approved takedown maneuver to bring J.V., who had already been handcuffed, to the ground. The arresting officer held J.V. down with one hand while a second officer restrained his legs. This reasonable and appropriate use of force effectively overcame J.V.’s resistance and rendered him physically unable to move.
Despite knowing that J.V. had been effectively restrained and posed no further danger to officers or the public, Huxley then intentionally raised his right foot and drove it down onto J.V.’s head and face.
“This sentence holds a former police officer accountable for abusing his authority when he violently assaulted a homeless man who posed no threat,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting law enforcement officials who violate federal civil rights laws.”
“In addition to the trauma inflicted on victims, Police Oicers who break the law and use excessive force damage the community’s trust in the law enforcement profession,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana.
“Every day, law enforcement officers in this country face dangerous situations which require the application of reasonable force to protect themselves and others. Unfortunately, some officers fail to adhere to the applicable standards of law and policy, inflicting harm instead of preventing it,” said Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office. “This sentence reflects the FBI’s commitment to protecting the civil rights of all citizens, and I commend the work of the Special Agents and prosecutors who helped ensure the defendant was held accountable for his illegal conduct.”
Esthela O’Neill, Assistant Vice Chancellor at Ivy Tech, wins Chamber 4 Under 40 Award
Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington’s assistant vice chancellor for enrollment services and student success, Esthela O’Neill, has been named a 4 Under 40 Award recipient by the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. O’Neill was recognized at the Chamber’s annual meeting on Sept. 7.
The Chamber’s 4 Under 40 Award recognizes young professionals that make a significant impact within their organization through their leadership and work ethic, while also giving back to the community through civic involvement.
O’Neill has served the College for 10 years. In her current role, she provides leadership to enhance the Ivy Tech student experience, from enrollment planning and management to student support and development, with a focus on quality improvements and services required to meet the needs of a diverse student body.
O’Neill graduated from Ivy Tech with her associate degree and transferred to Indiana University to complete her bachelor’s. She also holds a Master of Public Administration from Indiana University and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Change and Leadership at the University of Southern California. She has been a member of the United Way of Monroe County Board of Directors since 2020 and serves as chair for the United Way Community Impact Committee. O’Neill is a Leadership Bloomington 2020 graduate.
Historic Ellettsville log cabin to be relocated
Earlier this year, the Town of Ellettsville was awarded a Community Impact Funding Initiative Grant from the Community Foundation of Bloomington-Monroe County to relocate the log cabin from Vine Street to Town Hall. The grant also includes the preservation of the log cabin.
The cabin is scheduled to be moved on Wednesday, September 13th, beginning at 10:00 a.m.Relocating the cabin will halt traffic and create a new traffic detour.Traffic information is as follows:The log cabin will be moved from 702 W. Vine Street to 1150 W. Guy McCown Drive (Ellettsville Government Center).Traffic will be halted for approximately 30 minutes at the intersection of N. Matthews Drive and W. Main Street while the log cabin is moved onto W. Main Street.The log cabin will be maneuvered off of W. Main Street allowing traffic to pass. When the log cabin is ready to navigate back to W. Main Street, W. Main Street will be closed to all traffic and detoured as outlined below. W. Main Street will be closed for approximately 4 hours.
Detour: Travel north on N. Matthews Drive to W. Maple Grove Road then back to W. State Road 46. Please have patience with the Town while we relocate the cabin.
This Week in Hoosier History
1914 – Robert Earls Wise, Academy Award winning director, producer and editor, was born in Winchester, Indiana. He won the Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for the films West Side Story and The Sound of Music.
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