Orlando Officer Charged In Violent Beating Of Homeless Man

Local 6
Nov. 20, 2005

A 30-year-old Orlando police officer was charged with aggravated battery Friday for allegedly beating a homeless man nearly to death, according to a Local 6 News report.

According to an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Orlando police Officer Edward Michael responded to back up a sheriff's deputy at the Rosemount Baptist Church on John Young Parkway in Orlando to help with a homeless man.

Jeffery Goff had set up camp at the church and was resisting being handcuffed when asked to leave, according to the report.

"Goff was what we refer to as passive resistance," Florida Department of Law Enforcement spokesman Wayne Ivey said. "There was no kicking, no punching, no biting or anything of that nature."

Outside the church, Goff was forced to the ground, Local 6 News reported.

The FDLE report said Michael used his Taser gun on the man.

However, it is several close-fisted punches that Michael allegedly threw at Goff's head that crossed the line into excessive force, according to Local 6 News reporter Jessica D'Onofrio.

"The investigation showed that the level of resistance was not consistent with the force that was used," Ivey said.

Goff was severely injured in the beating and he can hardly communicate, according to doctors.

"There are approximately seven facial fractures to Mr. Goff as well as trauma to the brain," Ivey said.

"It is difficult and it is disappointing but we also know that individual officers do have to be accountable for their actions," Orlando police Sgt. Barbara Jones said.

Michael has been with Orlando police for about four years.

He has been suspended with pay during the investigation.