Former Memphis
Officer Pleads Not Guilty In Transgender Beating

A retired Memphis, Tenn., policeman entered a not-guilty plea Wednesday on charges that he violated the civil rights of a transgender prostitution suspect in a beating that was caught on tape, reports the Associated Press.

The indictment accuses the officer, Bridges McRae, 28, of using excessive force during the intake of Duanna Johnson, 43, at the Shelby County Jail in February. The video shows McRae repeatedly hitting Johnson, a trans woman, with his fists and handcuffs. McRae and his former partner, James Swain, 25, were both fired after the recording aired on local TV stations and online in June.

After McRae pleaded not guilty, he was released on bail and no trial date has been set. If he is convicted of violating Johnson's civil rights while in a position of authority, McRae faces up to a 10-year prison sentence and a $250,000 fine.

Johnson was fatally shot in Memphis earlier this month, and the slaying is still being investigated. (The Advocate)