NOVI, MI — Floyd Dent, 57, of Detroit, and his Novi-based attorney, Gregory Rohl, addressed the media hours after Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said she’d dismiss a felony cocaine possession count against Dent and criminally charged his arresting officer, William Melendez.
Rohl says he has drafted a civil lawsuit that he’s prepared to file against Inkster if settlement negotiations break down. So far, he says, they’ve been operating in good faith.
Dent says he was choked and punched in the head 16 times by Melendez, whom the department fired last week.
Worthy charged Melendez with misconduct in office/mistreatment of a prisoner, punishable by up to five years in prison; and assault with intent to do great bodily harm, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Rohl says video evidence suggests other officers besides Melendez “participated in trying to frame my client” and he wishes they would be held accountable.
Worthy said the investigation is complete and no other officers are expected to be criminally charged.
It’s “in the best interest of justice,” is the explanation Worthy provided when asked why she dismissed the felony cocaine possession charge against Dent. She refused to elaborate on whether she believes Melendez planted drugs.