A Richmond police officer, Paul R. Jenkins, has avoided jail time after pleading guilty to a lesser charge of disorderly conduct in connection with the assault of a handcuffed motorist. The incident occurred in April 2024, when Jenkins was called to assist with a DUI stop on Richmond’s North Side.
The victim, 54-year-old Harold Gilmore, had been placed in a police wagon, with shackles on both his wrists and feet, when Jenkins allegedly tugged on the shackles, causing Gilmore’s head to strike the police van door. The impact led to a laceration that required medical attention. Prosecutors argued that Gilmore, restrained in shackles, was defenseless at the time of the assault.
While initially facing an assault charge, Jenkins’ case was resolved through a plea agreement. He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, and in return, he will not face any jail time. As part of the plea deal, the case was removed from trial, and prosecutors dropped the blood alcohol reading from Gilmore’s DUI arrest, which had been contested.
Following the indictment, Jenkins was placed on administrative assignment, where he remains while an internal review is conducted by the Richmond Police Department. A police spokesperson confirmed that Jenkins currently has no direct contact with the public and does not possess police powers.
Gilmore did not file a formal complaint regarding the incident, nor did he seek medical treatment, but the matter was still reviewed by the police department and forwarded to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Jenkins, a 21-year veteran of the Richmond Police Department, has also been pursuing a nursing degree.
Gilmore’s DUI case is still ongoing, with a bench warrant out for his arrest due to missed court appearances.
