Scott Nugent, formerly a police officer of Winnfield, has been charged with manslaughter and malfeasance in office, in relation to the death of Baron Pikes, 21, on January 17, 2008. Malfeasance is the performance by a public official of an act that is legally unjustified, harmful, or contrary to law.

Baron Pikes was hit 9 times with a Taser, of 50,000 volt each time. Pikes was handcuffed. Baron Pikes was being arrested on a drug charge in Jan. 17 2008. District Attornney of Winn Parish, Chris Nevils, said that Scott Nugent used the Taser on Pikes unnecessarily. Scott Nugent failed to obtain medical aid for Baron Pikes when he needed it. Three coroners have determined that Baron Pikes died from cardiac arrest cased by Taser shocks.

Winnfield is a small community of roughly 5800. There are about equal numbers of blacks and whites. Baron Pikes was black, while Scott Nugent is white. Baron Pikes had a son, age 4. The mother of Pikes’ son has filed a wrongful death law suit against the city officials. The law suit accused the officials of violating civil rights resulting in the death of Baron Pikes.

Scott Nugent is out on a bail of $45,000.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, August 14th, 2008 at 7:28 pm and is filed under News.