DETROIT, MI -- It's a poem the former officer said is usually reserved for the funerals of police who die in the line of service.

William Melendez, who was fired from the Inkster Police Department after being captured on dash-cam video beating motorist Floyd Dent, read "Final Inspection," author unknown, at his sentencing hearing Tuesday.

"Step forward now, policeman, you've borne your burdens well; Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets, you've done your time in hell," Melendez said concluding the poem. "Your honor, thank you. I submit to your judgement."

A jury in November convicted the ex-law enforcer of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and misconduct in office.

The 47-year-old married father of a son faced up to 10 years in prison. He spoke about his "selfless" service in law enforcement and the U.S. military, about winning 14 police awards, once being named police officer of the year and rescuing three elderly tenants from a burning retirement home last year.



Read officer's statement from sentencing hearing

Wayne Circuit Judge Vonda Evans said Melendez and his colleagues "appear to be a group of angry, anxious police officers" who celebrated and fist-bumped in celebration of Dent's arrest. Melendez bloodied the Detroit motorist's head with a flurry of 16 punches. Dent was also shocked with a Taser and was deprived medical attention for several hours.

Dent was accused of driving on a suspended license, resisting police and possession of cocaine, but all charges were later dismissed.

"2015 ... " Evans said. "How does this happen?"

The judge sentenced Melendez to between 13 months and 10 years in prison, the minimum less than half the time prosecutors sought and three more months than the defense was asking for.

Melendez's sentenced will be reduced by the 85 days he has already served awaiting his sentencing.

"The Final Inspection" poem read by Melendez: