NC Officer misdemeanor charges in body-slamming Middle School Student

HENDERSON, N.C. (AP) — Misdemeanor charges have been filed in North Carolina against a school resource officer who was seen on video body-slamming a middle school student, a district attorney said Tuesday. 

The officer, who was identified as Warren Durham, was fired earlier this week. Vance County District Attorney Mike Waters said at a news conference that Durham will be charged with assault on a child under 12, misdemeanor child abuse and willful failure to discharge his duties.

All three charges carry a maximum penalty of 120 days in jail.

“I shared our findings with the family,” Waters said. “I think they’re disappointed and frustrated that this is not a felony case. However, this issue turns on the fact that this child was not more seriously injured.”

Watch Video of officer body-slamming student, under age 12. Video Shows Vance County Sheriff Resource Officer Slams Student to Floor, Twice

*Editor's Note: A criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.