Former Flagler cop pleads no contest to abuse of disabled charge

A former Flagler Beach police lieutenant has pleaded no contest to third-degree felony charges of abuse of a disabled adult.

Robert Wayne Milstead, 55, gave up his police certification and was sentenced to six months of community service and three years of felony probation, according the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

In June, the veteran police officer who was hired in 2007 by the Flagler Beach Police Department was charged with abuse of a disabled adult and battery.

An affidavit at the time said Milstead stopped a vehicle in Flagler Beach in 2008 after the driver backed into another car. The 46-year-old driver told Milstead he couldn't get out of the car without a cane but was jerked from the car, thrown to the ground and handcuffed. 

When the driver didn't walk when he was ordered to, he was pepper sprayed by Milstead, the affidavit said.

The investigation of Milstead began in February 2010 and included review of statements by at least one officer who witnessed the incident. Milstead was arrested in June.

"We are committed to investigating abuse allegations," said FDLE Special Agent in Charge Dominick Pape said in a statement."Our office will continue to devote resources to bring those who victimize others to justice."