NewsLocal NewsInvestigationsEuclid Police

Actions

No jail time for Euclid Police officer convicted of assault in 2017 traffic stop beating

Amiott convicted of one count of assault, interfering with civil rights
Poster image - 2023-03-31T111041.345.jpg
Posted
and last updated

EUCLID, Ohio — Euclid Police officer Michael Amiott was sentenced to one-year of nonreporting community control and a $1000 fine for beating Richard Hubbard during a 2017 traffic stop in Euclid Municipal Court Friday morning.

Visiting Judge Guy Reece initially issued a 90-day sentence, which he then suspended.

A jury found Amiott guilty of one count of misdemeanor assault and one count of interfering with civil rights, also a misdemeanor, after a trial last summer.

Amiott was charged after a viral video showed him repeatedly punching Hubbard during the traffic stop.

During his victim impact statement, Hubbard asked for Amiott to receive the maximum sentence, saying he has suffered anxiety and trauma from the 2017 incident.

Hubbard told News 5, "That scene plays over and over in your head. And you can't forget it."

"I'm always rear view driving now," he said.

Amiott addressed the court and highlighted the work he has done since 2017 to improve Euclid Police use of force training, including personally building a new training center at the department.

He said officers, including himself, now train in Gracie jiu jitsu. He said data shows it reduces the risk of injuries to suspects and officers.

He did not apologize to Hubbard or address him during his remarks.

While handing down the sentence, the judge noted that Amiott did not address Hubbard and asked him to do so to help Hubbard move past the incident.

Reece adjourned court without the apology, but advised Hubbard to move on from the assault.

He said, "As long as you let that handicap you, he (Amiott) has control."

A Euclid jury found Amiott guilty of assault and interfering with civil rights in July of 2022 after a week-long trial in Euclid Municipal Court. He was found not guilty of a second count of assault.

RELATED: Jury finds Euclid Police Officer Michael Amiott guilty of misdemeanor assault and interfering civil rights

Hubbard and his girlfriend Yolimar Tirado also sued the city after Amiott's beating. They settled for $450,000.

Hubbard said he is grateful for the jury's verdict in the criminal case, but ultimately feels failed by the system.

"I just we could have sent a message, a real message, like getting the jail time," he said.

"He (Amiott) shouldn't be patrolling the streets at all," he said. "He needs to be somewhere else, not a police officer. "

Watch investigator Sarah Buduson's report from Thursday on Amiott and other Euclid officers that are still on the force even after multiple assault convictions, civil rights violations and fatal shootings

Euclid cops still at work despite criminal charges, excessive force incidents

RELATED: Some Euclid cops still on the force despite assault convictions, civil rights violations and fatal shootings

Watch live and local news any time:

Replay: Good Morning Cleveland at 6

Download the News 5 Cleveland app now for more stories from us, plus alerts on major news, the latest weather forecast, traffic information and much more. Download now on your Apple device here, and your Android device here.

You can also catch News 5 Cleveland on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, YouTube TV, DIRECTV NOW, Hulu Live and more. We're also on Amazon Alexa devices. Learn more about our streaming options here.

Download our streaming app on your favorite device.  Click here for more.

Click here for stories we’ve followed through on and to submit your ideas.

5 On Your Side Investigators Contact Form
Do you have an issue or story that you want 5 On Your Side Investigators to look into? Email InvestigatorTips@wews.com or fill out the form below.