Ex-cop admits beating man in wheelchair

A Chicago police officer captured on a hospital videotape beating a man shackled to a wheelchair has pleaded guilty to violating the victim's civil rights.

William Cozzi, who has been suspended by the police department, entered the plea Thursday before U.S. District Judge Blanche M. Manning.

Manning set March 26 for sentencing. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Authorities say the victim was drunk, uncooperative with the hospital's staff and verbally abusive to the police. The 51-year-old Cozzi had already pleaded guilty to a state charge.