A former Des Moines police cadet has pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct after allegedly grabbing and blocking the movement of one of his colleagues.
Dominick Hoffman, 20, was charged in January with simple assault. According to the criminal complaint, he allegedly blocked an exit and grabbed a colleague by the legs, preventing the person from leaving an office. The victim reportedly had to use force to get away.
Court records show Hoffman pleaded guilty Tuesday, March 10, to the reduced disorderly conduct charge. He was fined $105 plus surcharges.
A no-contact order remains in place between Hoffman and the victim. An attorney for Hoffman declined to comment.
Police cadets are non-sworn employees of the department who serve in support roles. The job is intended to familiarize them with law enforcement, and duties can include directing traffic, parking enforcement and report writing and other administrative tasks.
Hoffman was placed on leave after the incident, and Police Chief Michael McTaggert in a statement said that “to say we are disappointed in the alleged behavior of one of our employees towards another would be an understatement.”
Police spokesperson Sgt. Paul Parizek said Wednesday that Hoffman is no longer employed with the department, and otherwise declined to comment.
William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Former Des Moines police cadet fined after dispute with coworker
Reporting by William Morris, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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