The former Sandoval County deputy caught on camera slapping a teen four times has been criminally charged.Officials say Fred Switzer, 70, and another deputy restrained a boy in a patrol car after an August court appearance. Though there's no audio, new video appears to show the teen mouth off and spit at Switzer.It shows Switzer slap the teen several times in the back of the cruiser.A prosecutor charged Switzer with count of battery on Friday. The charge is a petty misdemeanor. If convicted, he could spend up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine.Switzer has since been fired. He was with the sheriff's office for eight years. Switzer is also a retired Albuquerque Police Department lieutenant.

The former Sandoval County deputy caught on camera slapping a teen four times has been criminally charged.

Officials say Fred Switzer, 70, and another deputy restrained a boy in a patrol car after an August court appearance. Though there's no audio, new video appears to show the teen mouth off and spit at Switzer.


It shows Switzer slap the teen several times in the back of the cruiser.

A prosecutor charged Switzer with count of battery on Friday. The charge is a petty misdemeanor. If convicted, he could spend up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine.

Switzer has since been fired. He was with the sheriff's office for eight years. Switzer is also a retired Albuquerque Police Department lieutenant.