Three former Atlanta police officers with roles in a botched drug raid and cover-up will learn their fate when they are sentenced Monday morning in federal court.
Officers Jason Smith, Gregg Junnier and Arthur Tesler all pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to violate civil rights resulting in death. In November 2006, 92-year-old Kathryn Johnston was mistakenly killed by police gunfire during a drug raid on her house in an Atlanta neighborhood.
The following investigation uncovered corruption in the narcotics division of the Atlanta police department. It included the revelation of the officers getting a false "no knock" warrant for the Johnston home.
Federal prosecutors are recommending a sentence of around 12 years for former officer Smith, but with reduced time for cooperation. Junnier is recommended for a substantial reduction to a 10-year sentence, given his early cooperation in the case. Prosecutors expect Tesler would get 10 years in federal prison.
Officers Jason Smith, Gregg Junnier and Arthur Tesler all pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to violate civil rights resulting in death. In November 2006, 92-year-old Kathryn Johnston was mistakenly killed by police gunfire during a drug raid on her house in an Atlanta neighborhood.
The following investigation uncovered corruption in the narcotics division of the Atlanta police department. It included the revelation of the officers getting a false "no knock" warrant for the Johnston home.
Federal prosecutors are recommending a sentence of around 12 years for former officer Smith, but with reduced time for cooperation. Junnier is recommended for a substantial reduction to a 10-year sentence, given his early cooperation in the case. Prosecutors expect Tesler would get 10 years in federal prison.
