Court Conference Set For Ex-Inkster Cop Charged In Traffic Stop Beating

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A court conference is planned later this month for a police officer seen on video repeatedly punching a motorist in the head during a traffic stop in Inkster.

William Melendez made his initial appearance in trial court on Friday, where a judge scheduled a calendar conference for June 26. He's charged with misconduct--mistreatment of a prisoner, and assault with intent to go great bodily harm less than murder.

Another judge earlier sent the case to trial after watching the video in her office and listening to the testimony of Floyd Dent, the 57-year-old man who was pummeled.

Footage from a police dashboard camera shows Dent being pulled from his car in January and repeatedly punched and kicked in the face and head. Prosecutors say they weren't aware of the beating until WDIV-TV aired the video and it subsequently went viral online,  drawing protests.

[VIDEO: Inkster Police Dashcam Violent Arrest Of Floyd Dent]

Police had claimed Dent refused to stop and had cocaine in the car; although Dent claimed police planted the drugs. All charges against Dent in connection with the incident have been dropped.

Melendez, who is known by the nickname "Robocop," was fired from the Inkster Police Department in April but has denied wrongdoing. He remains free on bond, and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Meantime, a $1.4 million settlement has been reached between Dent and the city.

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.