Narcotics cop made illegal search look like a break-in

[Mugu]

By S.A. REID, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A 23-year Atlanta Police Department veteran pleaded guilty on Monday to conspiring to violate civil rights by searching a private residence without a warrant, federal prosecutors said.

Wilbert Stallings, 44, of Conyers, a sergeant in the department's narcotics unit, faces up to 10 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. A sentencing date wasn't immediately set.

After a hearing before federal Judge Julie Carnes, U.S. Attorney David E. Nahmias called the actions of Stallings and his unit a "blatant" rights violation. He also said it was part of a pattern that led to the 2006 botched raid in which 92-year-old Kathryn Johnston was shot and killed in her northwest Atlanta home.

"What we've said is they developed on the team a of breaking the rules and bending the rules that ultimately crossed over into the breaking and bending of the Constitution," Nahmias said. "That ultimately is a crime."


Complete article at:
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2008/03/24/cop_0325.html

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

1. Do not question authority!

Oh, wait...

[onethatcares]

2. but, they almost found marijuana in the residence.

you wouldn't want that on your street, :banghead: