VIDALIA — The first sentence has been handed down in connection with the former Ferriday police officers who were indicted in March.

John G. Hawkins, 41, 120 Canal St., Ferriday, was booked into the Concordia Parish courthouse jail at 6:20 Wednesday night after he pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of false imprisonment.

Seventh Judicial Court Division “B” Judge Leo Boothe sentenced Hawkins to six months jail, and suspended the sentence upon payment of fines and court costs.

Hawkins was indicted on two counts false imprisonment, two counts of malfeasance in office and simple battery in connection with an arrest, and he initially pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.

In exchange for withdrawing the “not guilty” plea and pleading guilty to one of the charges of false imprisonment, prosecutors dropped the other charges against Hawkins.

Hawkins’ sentencing is the second closing of a case in the Ferriday police indictments.

The first case to close was against former Police Chief Robert “Rock” Davis, who was charged with malfeasance in office and false imprisonment.

Charges against Davis were later dropped because the statute of limitations had run out before the indictment was even handed down.

Three other former officers — Rickey Hollins, Willie B. Robinson and Juanita January — still face charges that stemmed from a grand jury investigation that was initiated by complaints to the District Attorney’s office over a two-year period.

Robinson faces charges of false imprisonment and malfeasance in office, while Hollins is charged with false imprisonment, simple battery and aggravated assault.

January is charged with felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile.