Broward Deputies Face Charges Over Rough Arrest

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Three Broward County sheriff's deputies are facing criminal charges after allegedly spraying a 15-year-0ld student in the face with pepper spray and throwing him to the pavement during a rough arrest.

Sgt. Gregory LaCerra, 51, was charged with two counts of battery for spraying the 15-year-old student in the face with pepper spray and throwing him to the pavement. He was also charged
with one count of falsifying records and one count of conspiracy to falsify records for
falsifying the description of the circumstances of the teen's arrest, according to Broward State Attorney Michael J. Satz.

Deputy Christopher Krickovich, 29, was charged with two counts of battery for slamming the 15-year-old student’s face or head to the pavement and punching the juvenile in the head with his fist. He was also charged with two counts of falsifying records and one count of conspiracy to
falsify records.

Deputy Ralph Mackey, 49, was charged with one count of falsifying records and one count of conspiracy to falsify records.

The Broward State Attorney's Office previously said it would not prosecute the 15-year-old boy who can be seen on cellphone video being slammed to the ground outside a McDonald's restaurant in South Florida.

The video appears to show deputies using pepper spray on the teenager, throwing him to the ground, banging his forehead several times and punching him. The incident took place near J.P. Taravella High School.

The family of the boy retained well-known civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump, who identified the teen involved as 15-year-old Delucca Rolle, also known as Lucca.

“It is about time the three officers face the consequences of their actions against 15-year-old Delucca Rolle back in April," Crump said in a statement Wednesday along with attorney Sue-Ann Robinson.

"Wearing a badge is not a license to hurt children and then lie about it — with these charges, the world can now see clearly that is what happened," the attorneys said. "The fact that the officers were charged with falsifying records and conspiracy to falsify records is rare, and it may represent a new trend in accountability for law enforcement official."

The battery and falsifying records charges are first-degree misdemeanors, which carry maximum punishments of up to one year in jail. The conspiracy charges are second-degree misdemeanors, which carry punishments of up to 60 days in jail.

Watch the video below:

The case has drawn outrage from Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen, who maintains deputies crossed the line.

"The behavior of these BSO deputies is outrageous and unacceptable," the mayor said earlier. "The officer who jumped the student, punched and banged his head should be fired. I have a problem with the deputy who threw him to the ground after he pepper sprayed him. He could’ve easily arrested him after the spray."