According to court documents, an Oregon police officer who admitted to slapping a photojournalist in the head with his baton at a protest following George Floyd’s murder in the summer of 2020 has had his assault charges against him dropped.
After Teri Jacobs, a photographer, was allegedly struck by Officer Corey Budworth with a baton in August 2020, and after he allegedly struck her again while she was on the ground before walking away, he was caught on camera and charged with fourth-degree battery.
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CNN’s analysis of Multnomah County court records reveals that Judge Celia Howes concluded the case on Friday after dismissing the charges against Budworth. In a video produced by the Oregon Justice Reform Centre, Budworth expressed regret to Jacobs. The video’s creation date is unclear.
In the video, Budworth said, “I acknowledge the physical and emotional harm my actions caused, and I’m committed to ensuring that I do not cause this kind of harm going forward.” “I’ve had the chance to meet and talk with Miss Jacobs thanks to restorative justice. I got the chance to apologise to her personally throughout this instructive and difficult process.
“Although it can’t change what happened to me that night, he admitted that his actions were wrong and pledged to do better himself, as well as facilitate changes in the PPB (Portland Police Bureau) that would help prevent this type of police brutality from occurring in the future,” Jacobs said in a response provided to the centre.
Budworth’s lawyer has been contacted by CNN for additional comment.