Former Prince George's Co. officer sentenced to 45 days for assaulting teen

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — A former Prince George's County Police corporal will serve 45 days behind bars for assaulting a 17-year-old boy during a 2020 traffic stop. Darryl Wormuth, 46, was sentenced Friday after he was found guilty earlier this month.

On Oct. 20, 2020, Wormuth pulled a car over for a traffic stop. At some point during the traffic stop, the boy was removed from the car and detained. Wormuth then grabbed the 17-year-old by the neck and assaulted him while the teen was in handcuffs.

Officers who witnessed the assault told their supervisors about the incident, according to State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy. 

“I support and commend the officers who stepped forward to report this incident. I encourage and expect all officers who witness any potential wrongdoing to do the same,” said Interim Chief Hector Velez back in 2020.

Following the announcement of a guilty verdict on May 2, Braveboy also applauded the reporting officers' actions.

“This was a case in which a young man who was placed in handcuffs and fully compliant was unnecessarily assaulted by Corporal Wormuth. I am very pleased with the judge’s decision, and I want to thank the prosecutors for their hard work on this case. I also want to thank the officers who came forward despite how unpopular it would be. It is largely because of their willingness to do the right thing that we were able to deliver justice today,” Braveboy said.

In a press conference following the sentencing, Braveboy said the case was about much more than a former police officer. She said it was about the rights of all residents in the county.