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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Mistrial in case of ex-King Co. deputy accused of beating girl

Associated Press
SEATTLE — A King County Superior Court judge has declared a mistrial in the case of a former sheriff’s deputy who was videotaped beating a 15-year-old girl in a jail cell, after jurors said they were unable to reach a verdict. The 12-member jury had been deliberating since Wednesday afternoon. Former deputy Paul Schene displayed no visible reaction as the judge declared the mistrial Friday. Prosecutors quickly announced that they will retry the case. Schene was charged with fourth-degree assault for kicking, tackling and punching 15-year-old Malika Calhoun after she kicked her shoe toward him as he was exiting a holding cell in SeaTac in November 2008. Schene said he followed training in restraining the car theft suspect. He was fired last September from his job as a deputy. Prosecutors say the video speaks for itself.

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