NEWTON ? A former Newton police officer is accused of abusing and neglecting three former prisoners at the Harvey County Jail.

Brad J. McMichael, 33, waived his first appearance and pleaded innocent Friday in Harvey County District Court.

He is charged with three counts of abusing or neglecting the prisoners Mike Snow, Reena Eberly and Dominic Rhodes when they were confined at the jail. He is also charged with three counts of causing physical contact with all three “in a rude, insulting or angry manner.”

The complaints provide no additional information on McMichael’s alleged conduct.

All six counts are misdemeanors.

McMichael, who worked for the department from July 1995 to November 2001, faces up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine if convicted of the abuse and neglect charges. Conviction on the other charges could result in a six-month jail term and a fine of up to $1,000.

Harvey County Atty. Matt Treaster said information from officers who worked with McMichael, along with information from police administrators, prompted an investigation of McMichael’s handling of prisoners.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation also investigated the case.

A pretrial conference is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 2.

McMichael is represented by attorney Sean McCauley of Overland Park, whose office also represents the Fraternal Order of Police and its chapters.

McCauley said that because the charges were misdemeanors, McMichael was released on his own recognizance and didn’t have to post a bond.