Log In | Register
A federal judge ruled late this afternoon that convicted Spokane Police Officer Karl F. Thompson Jr. should be released from jail pending his sentencing, which he set for Jan. 27.
U.S. District Court Judge Fred Van Sickle reversed a Friday order by U.S. Magistrate James Hutton detaining Thompson after a jury convicted him last week of using excessive force and lying to cover up his actions against Otto Zehm.
Van Sickle cited Thompson’s lifelong service in law enforcement, his “exemplary” military service in the Vietnam War and complying with all conditions of his release prior to his four-week trial in Yakima.
However, the decision goes against a similar ruling by a judge who ruled that the officers convicted in the Rodney King beatings were not above the law that requires mandatory detention for persons convicted of violent federal crimes.
Judge releases Thompson from jail - Spokesman.com
Seeded on Tue Nov 8, 2011 10:42 PM EST
Article Source: The Spokesman Review
- Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
- Public Discussion (2)
After seeing the good doctor in the Jackson case immediately being led off in handcuffs to jail, I find it ironic that a convicted felon, police officer or no, can be given preferential treatment.
That said, I do hope that should Thompson flee the country with the help of the 50 fellow police officers who saluted him as he was led out of the courthouse following the verdict, that the judge who handed this decision down would be forced to report to prison in Thompsons' stead. But I doubt we will see that happen in this, the latest in a huge travesty of justice.
- 3 votes
#1 - Tue Nov 8, 2011 10:49 PM ESTglad you joined the group.
yes.....this was one of a few cases here in the area that have shown the SPD to be quite corrupt in my opinion.
- 1 vote
#2 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 1:38 PM ESTYou're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead. |
As a new user, you may notice a few temporary content restrictions. Click here for more info.
