[kellyhound]

Jefferson County District Attorney Tom Maness has launched an inquiry into the alleged beating by Beaumont police officers of a Beaumont man who had been awarded a default judgment against the officers involved.

While the default judgment Beaumont resident Derrick Newman was awarded was overturned this month, Maness did see the videotape from the Aug. 24, 2007 traffic stop and resulting arrest.

"There's stuff on the tape that sparked our curiosity," Maness said. "We need to dig into this a little bit."

Newman and some friends were driving back from Cheddar's Casual Cafe when police stopped them. After arresting a back seat passenger, police officers searched Newman. While being searched other officers drove up.

Upon arrival, one of the officers started hitting him with a wooden club 13 times on his arm and leg.