PG County Cop Found Guilty Of Assaulting Homeless Woman

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A Prince George's County police officer was found guilty Tuesday for assaulting a homeless woman in September 2016, the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office announced.

George Merkel, who has seen been suspended from the department, was convicted of second-degree assault and misconduct in office and faces a maximum of ten years in prison.

Prosecutors said Merkel was on duty on Sept. 22, 2016 when he saw a homeless woman sleeping on the sidewalk outside of a store in Lanham.

Merkel called two other officers to the scene, who saw him allegedly yell multiple curses at the homeless woman and then assault her. Officers who testified in court said Merkel pulled the woman up by her ears and hit and slap her.

"A police officer has a responsibility to help those in need, and Officer Merkel certainly did not do that in this instance. I am pleased that he has been held accountable for his actions," said Angela Alsobrooks, the Prince George’s County state’s attorney said in a statement.

Merkel, who worked at the department for about 14 years, remains free on bond and will be sentenced Jan. 5, 2018.

Photo: George Merkel (wearing red ribbon around his neck) receiving Police Officer of the Year and the Silver Medal of Valor in 2010 via PGPD