A Lexington police officer has entered an Alford plea to a harassment charge.
According to the Associated Press, Officer James Norris entered the plea Thursday. In an Alford plea, a defendant doesn't admit guilt but acknowledges there is sufficient evidence for conviction.
Thirty-four-year-old Norris was charged with second-degree official misconduct and harassment after court documents say he shoved a prisoner against the back of a patrol wagon in January while the person was handcuffed and wearing a spit hood. Norris pleaded not guilty to the charges in April. On Thursday, the misconduct charge was dismissed, and Norris was ordered to pay a $250 fine and court costs.
The police department says an investigation confirmed that Norris "behaved improperly" during the arrest. He was suspended without pay in March.