Maryland cop convicted for placing gun to man's head

Prince George’s County, Maryland, police officer Jenchesky Santiago has been convicted on charges of first and second degree assault, misconduct in office, and the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence. The charges stem from an investigative stop in Bowie, Maryland, in May 2014. Santiago put a gun to William Cunningham’s forehead and mouth for not returning to his vehicle. The incident was recorded on a cell phone.

Cunningham and another passenger had driven to Cunningham’s home and allegedly parked illegally in front of the residence. Prosecutors charged that Santiago was “showing” off for some friends who were on an unauthorized ride-along with him. Santiago argued that Cunningham had cursed at him and he pulled his weapon to gain a tactical advantage.

Santiago had been on the force for two years and was suspended without pay in June 2014. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 8, 2016. He faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of 45 years in prison.