St. Louis – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against a Breckenridge Hills Police Officer (formerly of the Woodson Terrace Police Department) for his conduct in connection with the arrest and assault of an individual. Officer David W. Maas, Saint Louis, was charged with one count of Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law.

According to the indictment, on April 14, 2019, Officer Maas while with the Woodson Terrance Police Department deprived the victim of his right to be free from unreasonable force. In so doing, Maas kicked and struck the victim while he was compliant and not posing a physical threat to anyone. This offense resulted in bodily injury to this individual.

"Law enforcement officers take an oath to serve and protect the public," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "When an officer betrays that oath, and instead uses his or her position to violate a person's constitutional rights, that officer must be held accountable. Our community, and our profession, deserve no less."

The charge Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both imprisonment and a fine.

As is always the case, the charge in an indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.

Department of JusticeOffice of the U.S. AttorneyEastern District of MissouriSource: Justice.gov