Prosecutors have filed an assault charge against a Los Angeles police officer for her alleged role in a 2012 incident captured on squad-car video in which a 35-year-old mother died after a violent struggle to place her in custody.
Officer Mary Margaret O'Callaghan, a 19-year veteran of the force, is charged with assault under color of authority for kicking Alesia Thomas in the groin and stomach during the attempted arrest on July 22, 2012, which involved at least three other officers.
Assault under color of authority carries a maximum penalty of three years in state prison. Prosecutors have asked for bail of $35,000. O'Callaghan, 48, has been relieved of duty without pay and also faces possible departmental sanctions.
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