The Latest: Ex-deputy in pursuit beating case wants job back
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Latest on two former Southern California sheriff's deputies who had been charged with beating a man who fled on a stolen horse pleading no contest to disturbing the peace (all times local):
4 p.m.
A former California sheriff's deputy who struck a plea deal to avoid a connection with the televised beating of a man who tried to escape from authorities on horseback wants his job back.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Former San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies Michael Phelps and Nicholas Downey pleaded no contest Monday to disturbing the peace. The plea comes days after a jury deadlocked on assault charges against the deputies.
Both deputies were sentenced to a year of probation.
Downey's attorney, Michael Schwartz, says in a statement that he's pleased prosecutors offered to dismiss the felony charges in exchange for the plea.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}He says his client is now looking forward to fighting to get his job back.
A sheriff's spokeswoman didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}2:45 p.m.
Two former Southern California sheriff's deputies who had been charged with beating a man who fled on a stolen horse have pleaded no contest to disturbing the peace.
Monday's plea comes days after a jury deadlocked on assault charges against ex-San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies Michael Phelps and Nicholas Downey.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Authorities said the fleeing man stole a horse in April 2015 but fell off and was set upon by deputies as a TV news helicopter broadcast the scene. A third ex-deputy was found guilty last week of assault.
San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos says there was "no reasonable likelihood" another jury would reach a verdict.
Prosecutors say the felony charges were dismissed in exchange for the plea and both deputies were sentenced to a year of probation.