INKSTER, Mich. – Charges have been dropped against a man who was beaten by a former Inkster police officer.

Police dash cam video shows officer William Melendez repeatedly punching 57-year-old Floyd Dent in the head during a Jan. 28 traffic stop in Inkster. Prosecutors say they didn't know about the beating until the Local 4 Defenders aired the video in March.

Video: Violent traffic stop in Inkster caught on camera

Dent was facing drug charges after police say they found crack cocaine in his car at the time of the traffic stop. Dent maintained that the officers had planted the evidence in his car and he had no drugs in his system following the incident.

During a hearing Wednesday, Judge David Groner signed off on an order to dismiss the case.

Watch: Dent aces lie detector questions about beating by Inkster police

Not guilty plea for officer charged in taped beating

A judge on Tuesday entered a not guilty plea and set bond at $25,000 for William Melendez.

Melendez's arraignment came one day after authorities announced felony charges of mistreatment of a prisoner and assault against the 46-year-old officer.

Defense attorney David Lee tells reporters the assault charge is excessive. He says Melendez is "upbeat" despite the controversy.

Melendez has been fired as an officer in Inkster and Highland Park.