Former Henry County Police Officer David Rose surrendered his law enforcement certification today as part of a guilty plea to charges he choked a football player during a traffic stop.
Rose pleaded guilty to one count of simple battery today in connection to the December 2, 2017 traffic stop of former NFL player Desmond Marrow.
As part of the negotiated plea, Henry County Superior Court Judge Holly W. Veal sentenced Rose to serve 12 months on probation and ordered him to complete an anger management class, perform 40 hours of community service and have no contact with Marrow. Rose also surrendered his law enforcement certification to the Georgia Peace Officers and Standards Training Council, which licenses all officers in the state. As part of the sentence, Rose is prohibited from ever working again as a law enforcement officer or seeking re-instatement of his certification.
“Through his revealing words and actions, David Rose tarnished the badge that represents all the honorable and brave men and women who serve in law enforcement. As a result of this plea, Rose will never work as a police officer again,” District Attorney Darius Pattillo said. “I am satisfied that he has been held accountable for his actions against Desmond Marrow.”
On December 2, 2017, Rose responded to the Target on Jonesboro Road in McDonough on a report that Marrow and the driver of another vehicle were driving aggressively through the parking lot. During the arrest, Rose grabbed Marrow’s neck and choked him while he was handcuffed from behind while on the ground.
The incident was captured on video and Rose could be heard admitting to choking Marrow.
Rose also testified to choking Marrow last month at a statutory immunity hearing, claiming he was immune from prosecution because he was acting in his capacity as a law enforcement officer. Judge Veal rejected that argument, ruling that Marrow posed no threat to Rose and the other officers, and Rose was legally responsible for his actions.
“This plea reflects the edict that no one is above the law – not even police officers,” Pattillo said. “Police are sworn to protect and serve our communities, and when they do so in an honest and lawful way, they deserve to be revered and celebrated. It is equally necessary that we send the message that we will not tolerate illegal acts committed by law enforcement officers.”
A Henry County Grand Jury indicted Rose last year with two counts of violation of oath by a public officer, and one count of simple battery, false official writings, and making a false statement. As part of the negotiated plea today, the felony charges were dismissed. Rose served as a Henry County officer for about three years and was terminated in 2018.
