COLUMBUS, Ohio — Three Columbus Division of Police officers are facing charges of alleged misconduct stemming from last summer's Black Lives Matter protests, according to Mayor Andrew Ginther's office.

The city of Columbus’ independently-appointed special prosecutor Kathleen Garber and independent investigator Rick Wozniak, a retired FBI agent, said the following officers have been charged:

• Officer Traci M. Shaw: Charged with three counts of assault, three counts of dereliction of duty and three counts of interfering with civil rights related to an event on May 30, 2020
• Sgt. Holly Kanode: Charged with one count of falsification and one count of dereliction of duty related to an event that also occurred on May 30, 2020
• Officer Phillip Walls: Charged with two counts of assault, two counts of dereliction of duty and two counts of interfering with civil rights related to an event that occurred on May 29, 2020

“I was asked by the city of Columbus to independently evaluate the allegations of police misconduct from last summer’s protests so that both citizens and police officers are held to the same standard of accountability,” said Garber. “We appreciate the community’s patience over the past year while we have made continued attempts to interview witnessing officers and identify officers committing the alleged misconduct during the protests. We are continuing the investigations into possible misconduct by other officers. We will also continue with investigations with respect to identified officers pending the arbitrator’s decision.”

Department of Public Safety Director Ned Pettus Jr. wrote in a statement Wednesday the city hired Wozniak last summer to conduct the investigation.

"His focus was to determine whether any officers violated the law in their response to protesters and rioters," Pettus wrote. "He continues that work in coordination with Special Prosecutor Kathleen Garber. This is important, necessary work. Answers and accountability are what the people of Columbus demand and deserve."

Attorney Mark Collins told Spectrum News Wednesday he plans to represent all three officers. Collins said the officers are being made into "scapegoats" and will enter a not guilty plea. 

Collins said the arraignment is scheduled for July 8. In the meantime, Collins said the officers will be put on administrative leave, which the police department later confirmed. 

The investigation is ongoing. The Columbus City Attorney’s Office said it has prosecuted nearly 100 civilians for violent, aggressive behavior during the protests, according to Ginther's office.