Probation For Frederick Officer In Assault

OAKLAND, Md. (AP) -- A Frederick city police officer is serving 18 months of supervised probation for fracturing his girlfriend's elbow in a February assault.

The Frederick News-Post reports that 28-year-old Benjamin Whitmore was sentenced Wednesday in Oakland. He apologized and said he has completed anger-management and alcohol-abuse counseling.

Whitmore pleaded guilty in April to second-degree assault of his girlfriend, also a Frederick police officer, while they were vacationing near Deep Creek Lake. Prosecutors say Whitmore pushed her to the ground twice and then kicked her as she tried to leave a bar after an argument.

The district court judge suspended a 120-day jail sentence and granted probation before judgment. That means the conviction won't be entered if Whitmore successfully completes his probation.

The Frederick Police Department says it's conducting an internal investigation.