CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — Eyewitness News is learning new information about a deal struck by prosecutors and a Charlotte Mecklenburg Police officer who was accused of severely beating a man.
Friday prosecutors told us the criminal charge against Officer David Jones was dropped. Jones submitted his resignation as part of the deal and gave up the right to work as a police officer again.
Saturday a spokesman from the District Attorney's office said after looking over all of the evidence they felt this was the appropriate outcome. However, the decision didn't sit well with some people who said Jones may have gotten off too easily.
"I don't know that that's severe enough. I feel like he should never be able to be in a situation like that at all ever again, said Danielle Rogone.
Rogone is one person upset that the misdemeanor assault charge against Jones was dropped.
He was accused of severely beating Rick McVicker last December. McVicker was involved in a fender bender with Jones' mother on Sardis Road in Matthews.
Police said Jones was off-duty when he arrived at the scene. He threw McVicker on the ground, handcuffed him and beat him. McVicker was charged with DWI after the crash.
Eyewitness News visited Jones' house in Indian Trail Saturday to get his reaction to the decision, but he wasn't home.
We also tried catching up with McVicker at his house, but it appeared he had moved out.
We asked the Charlotte City Manager if Jones would still receive benefits. The answer was yes. Jones will get a small portion of his pension, but he was not employed long enough to get full retirement benefits.
While it seems those involved are ready to move forward, Rogone hopes this will serve as a lesson.
"Hopefully people will stand up and not accept this kind of behavior from police officers," she said.
We asked if Jones would have to undergo anger management as part of this deal. The answer was no. We also asked for a copy of Jones' letter of resignation, officials said that may be available Monday morning.
Previous Stories: December 12, 2011: CMPD officer accused of assault has string of suspensions December 12, 2011: CMPD officer accused of beating man to appear in court December 11, 2011: Man allegedly attacked considers lawsuit against CMPD December 9, 2011: CMPD officer arrested on assault charges