July trial for ex-police officer in Taser death

January 30, 2009
Associated Press

WINNFIELD, La. (AP) - A former police officer accused of repeatedly jolting a handcuffed Louisiana man with a Taser before he died is scheduled to be tried in July on a manslaughter charge.

A spokesman for the Winn Parish District Attorney's office said a state judge met Friday with lawyers on both sides of the case and set July 13 as the first day of a trial for Scott Nugent.

Nugent was a Winnfield police officer when he allegedly shocked 21-year-old Baron Pikes nine times with a 50,000-volt Taser while arresting him in January 2008. Pikes' death was ruled a homicide.

Nugent pleaded not guilty last year to charges of manslaughter and malfeasance in office and was freed on $45,000 bond. He faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted of the charges.