WAKE COUNTY — Former Atlanta officers stormed into 92-year-old woman's house, killed her
The Associated Pressupdated 1:33 p.m. ET, Tues., Feb. 24, 2009
ATLANTA - Three former Atlanta police officers who each pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge in connection with the death of an elderly woman during a botched drug raid were sentenced Tuesday to federal prison terms.
Jason R. Smith, Gregg Junnier and Arthur Tesler received sentences ranging from five years to 10. Kathryn Johnston, 92, was killed by police gunfire during the 2006 raid.
Police used a "no-knock" warrant to enter Johnston's house to look for drugs. But prosecutors said officers found none and tried to cover up the mistake by planting baggies of marijuana.
U.S. District Judge Julie E. Carnes sentenced Smith to 10 years in federal prison. She sentenced Junnier to six years and Tesler to five years.
The three earlier had each pleaded guilty on the federal charge of violating Johnston's civil rights.
Smith and Junnier also pleaded guilty to state charges, including manslaughter. They are set to be sentenced on those charges next month.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press
** I remember when this story first came out, a lot of posters were sure this grandma was some type of drug overlord who deserved her fate. The unfortunate part of this is that the officers made a mistake and attempted to cover it up by planting evidence. I know a police officer can never be wrong since lives are at stake but this is real life and mistakes happen. Their mistakes cost people their lives. To me, it is what you do AFTER you find out that you were wrong, that is what matters. Admit and own it. Take responsibility for it. Sure, that wont bring back the life you took but it is a reflection of your charactor and shows just how moral you truly are. IMO**
