ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – A now former Ormond Beach officer who was caught on video throwing a woman after she was arrested in a crash was sentenced Tuesday to six months in jail.
The Ormond Beach Police Department last month released video of the December incident that shows the violent interaction.
After the incident came to light, police said that Officer Jacob Cannon, 32, was relieved of duty and placed on administrative leave.
Cannon was later charged with battery, but he resigned to the chief of police before surrendering at the county jail.
He was sentenced to six months in jail with 11 days credit and two years of probation following his jailtime. Prosecutors were seeking a 19-month sentence for Cannon.
Cannon pleaded no contest on Friday, saying he was sorry and his behavior was “unacceptable.”
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The incident happened on Dec. 6 when officers arrested Shanna McRee in a rear-end crash with a motorcycle. Police said she was showing signs of impairment and arrested her on charges of DUI.
After she was taken to the department’s headquarters, she was taken to the hospital with a head wound.
Video released by the police department shows two officers unsuccessfully trying to get McRee to blow into a breathalyzer. Eventually, McRee can be seen standing up, despite the officers commanding her to sit back down. Cannon is then seen throwing her to the ground, with her head appearing to smack into a glass wall.
“Upon learning of the incident that evening, our department’s leadership acted swiftly and decisively. The officer involved was immediately relieved of duty and both a criminal and internal investigation were initiated.” Police Chief Jesse Godfrey said last month. “The actions of the former officer do not reflect the way we treat our citizens, and he is being held accountable for what he did.”
During Friday’s hearing, Cannon expressed remorse as he apologized for his actions.
“Your honor, I’d like to say I am sorry because I was in a position of power and should have never lost control,” he said.
He also stated that the behavior was “unacceptable as a law enforcement officer,” bringing up how he voluntarily relinquished his police officer certificate and admitting that he “let down” many people with his actions.
Cannon’s no contest plea means he did not admit guilt but can still be punished as if he were found guilty. His attorneys requested continued mental health treatment, counseling, and medication instead of incarceration.
On the stand, Cannon said he accepts whatever punishment is decided, but shared how the case has impacted his personal life.
“Any time away from them — including this week alone — would set me back at least a month, if not more. Being out of the home any additional time, we will lose our home and things we have. It’s not fair to (my wife) or my family,” he said.
McCree also took the stand, describing the lasting trauma and injuries from the incident, saying, “I see it. It’s visible — plain as day — and it’s just gonna be there. Just a constant reminder, and it’s a disfigurement.”