Former police officer awaits fate in excessive force trial

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) – A former Oglala Sioux Tribe police officer accused of improperly using a stun gun on an intoxicated tribal citizen is awaiting her fate by a federal jury.

The Rapid City Journal reports that a jury failed to reach a verdict Friday following the three-day trial of 33-year-old Rebecca Sotherland. The jury is slated to resume deliberations on Monday.

Authorities say Sotherland last year used a Taser several times on a man lying on the ground. A passer-by shot video and posted it online, drawing attention to the incident that happened in Manderson.

Sotherland was fired shortly after the incident. She is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and excessive force by a police officer.

She faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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Information from: Rapid City Journal, http://www.rapidcityjournal.com