EUCLID, Ohio — Officer Michael Amiott remains a member of the Euclid Police Department, but following his criminal conviction last week, his responsibilities have been drastically reduced.
Euclid Cpt. Mitch Houser confirmed to 3News Monday that Amiott has been "assigned to non-enforcement, administrative duties until further notice" in the wake of Friday's verdict. A jury found Amiott guilty of both assault and violating a person's civil rights in connection with a violent 2017 traffic stop.
During the encounter, Amiott pulled over Richard Hubbard after the car he was driving was listed as being unregistered, and eventually Amiott asked Hubbard to exit the vehicle. Although Hubbard complied, a scuffle ensued, and Amiott was caught on video punching Hubbard multiple times.
Amiott and other witnesses testified he had just cause to use force against Hubbard, but although the officer was acquitted of a second assault charge, the guilty verdicts on the two other counts showed jurors felt his overall actions were excessive. The city of Euclid also reached a $450,000 settlement with Hubbard and an acquaintance in April of 2021.
In the immediate aftermath of the assault, Amiott served a 45-day suspension before being fired by Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail, but his employment was later reinstated by an independent arbitrator. Amiott's criminal trial had been on hold until just this year due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A sentencing date for Amiott has not been set. The officer faces up to 360 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.