Following a five month long joint-probe by Atlanta police and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, two of the three Atlanta police officers charged in the 2006 shooting death of an elderly black woman, have pled guilty in federal court to conspiracy charges. Investigators found the police lied when they said a confidential informant told them they could buy drugs at the house. The informant has since recanted his statement.
Former police officers Gregg Junnier and Jason Smith admitted they conspired to mislead investigators following the death of 92-year-old Kathryn Johnston. The woman lived alone in one of Atlanta's high drug trafficking areas. She died after she shot at police, who had forced their way into her home.
The attorney for officer Jason Smith said his client understands what he did, and accepts responsibility.
Both officers face a minimum of 10 years in federal prison. The third officer, Arthur Tesler, remains on paid administrative leave from the Atlanta police department pending investigation.
A spokesman for the Johnston-family, Reverand Markel Hutchins, said the family was satisfied with Thursday's developments.
The Fulton County district attorney's office said its' investigation is not finished, concerning the look into corruption within Atlanta's police department.
