By John Howell Sr.

Batesville aldermen voted Tuesday, after meeting in executive session for almost seven hours, to suspend police officer Brandon Moses for 60 days without pay.

Assistant City Attorney Colmon Mitchell announced the decision to Moses, his family and his attorney after returning to open meeting about 4:30 p.m.

Moses had appealed a recommendation that he be terminated.

Board members heard testimony from witnesses paraded into their meeting room throughout the morning and afternoon during the special meet which began at 10 a.m. and lasted until almost  5 p.m. with a short break for lunch.

“What the board has done, after reviewing the evidence, on the charges of harassment and spending too much time in the store, they were not dismissed but were given no weight in the decision,” Mitchell said.

“On allegation of abuse of authority, the board did find there was sufficient evidence to support that part of the complaint, based on evidence, the testimony and the argument of counsel, the board voted unanimously to suspend officer Moses … and to demote him to patrolman,” Mitchell said.

Other than four board members and the mayor, City Clerk Laura Herron, Asst. City Attorney Colmon Mitchell, Batesville Police officials, Moses and his attorney were were present in the closed door session. Alderman Bill Dugger was absent due to sickness in his family.