Judge Sentences Man To Life In Prison On Federal Drug Charges

Emory Scott Bivins faced two federal drug charges Friday stemming from the shooting of Officer George Almond during a traffic stop last October.

Almond lost sight in one eye, lost hearing in one ear and suffered other injuries, but he is now back at work.

"I'm getting better. I'm actually over in juvenile investigation now and I am pleased. [I'm] just thankful to be alive," he said.

Although Friday's sentencing was for federal drug charges, Almond's comments to Judge Terrence Boyle in the courtroom had an impact.

"No one could have sat in that courtroom without listening to that hero and being moved by what he had to say in terms of the effect on his person, his life, his family and so Judge Boyle, I'm sure, was affected by it. He took it very seriously," said Robert Higdon, of the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Almond said he was pleased with the outcome.

"I am definitely pleased that justice was served and definitely put that in the court's hands at that point," he said. "Obviously, I did my job on Oct. 10, 2001, and it is up to the court system to continue in anything."

Bivins' attorney said he will appeal the life sentence in the drug case. Bivins still faces sentencing in the shooting of Almond.

Almond was present in the courtroom during the hearing, along with his wife, Pam, and other officers with the Cary Police Department.