Elkhart Police officer resigns after pleading guilty in federal court

An Elkhart Police officer who struck a handcuffed inmate has pleaded guilty in federal court for using unreasonable force, according to court records.

Cory Newland pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of lights under color of law as part of a plea agreement.

As part of the agreement, he must pay a $100 special assessment, pay restitution to the victim and serve 15 months in federal prison.

Newland admitted to the following facts of the case:

• On January 12, 2018, while on duty and acting as an officer for the City of Elkhart Police Department, I assisted in the arrest of M.L., and transported him to the booking area at the police department.
• While in the booking area, I struck M.L. repeatedly in the face and body, despite knowing that this amount of force was not reasonable under the circumstances.
• Specifically, I placed M.L. in a chair with his hands handcuffed behind his back and behind the back of the chair. M.L. spat in my direction. I responded by punching him in the face, causing him to fall backwards onto the floor. Another officer, Joshua Titus, and I continued to strike M.L. repeatedly with our fists. M.L. was in handcuffs during the entirety of the time we were punching him.
• Arrestee M.L. suffered pain and injuries as a result of my actions.
• I knew at the time of the assault that my use of force on M.L. was unjustified and unlawful under the circumstances

Newland has been on unpaid leave since April 1, 2019. He resigned from the department on August 30, 2022.

The other officer charged in this case, Joshua Titus, has pleaded not guilty. His case is still active in federal court.