Cop convicted of planting crack on innocent couple. Given probation. Judge “swayed by how he lost his job, pension, & health.” In other words, the same consequences for people I represent jailed on bail *before conviction* that no judge ever cares about. nymag.com/intelligencer/…
As far as I can tell, no NYPD cop gets anything worse than probation, no matter how egregious the conduct.
I represented the man who this ex-NYPD detective lied into a violent felony indictment. Michael Bergman completely fabricated a fake crime out of spite. If convicted, would’ve faced minimum 3.5 years in prison. Max 15. The liar only got probation. nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-c…
2 NYPD officers who had sex w/ a teen in exchange for her freedom sentenced to probation. Judge pointed out that cop's conduct was mitigated bc the teenager also committed a crime by allegedly offering sex for her freedom. nypost.com/2019/08/29/jud…
This ex-NYPD cop shot a man in the mouth twice out of jealousy & then placed a knife next to his body to cover up his crime. Probation. nypost.com/2019/12/12/rit…
Akai Gurley (left) was killed by Officer Laing while walking in the stairwell of a building. Laing received probation.
2 months later, same judge sentenced Marcell Dockery (right), a teen who set fire to a mattress accidentally killing a responding officer, to 19 years to life.
2 months later, same judge sentenced Marcell Dockery (right), a teen who set fire to a mattress accidentally killing a responding officer, to 19 years to life.
In all these cases, judges really feel for the cop convicted of horrific conduct. “They’ve already been through so much. Their reputations. Their careers. Their lives ruined.” But that’s also the reality for tens of thousands of others coming through system, treated w/o feeling.
When cops lie, they do one of the worst things a human being could ever do to another: give false testimony that would put them in jail wrongfully. When cops exact violence, it’s degrees worse bc they are charged & entrusted w/ protecting. They should be held to higher standards.
Cops are rarely held meaningfully accountable. Discipline is rare. Termination is near-impossible. Even when caught lying, prosecutors still rely on future testimony. In rarest case when prosecuted, cops can expect wrist slaps. Sends a dangerous message: No consequences.
When Black & Brown people in NY do *anything*, however, they’re met w/ harshness. Walk down the street: stop & frisked. Jump turnstile to get to school: arrested. Commit serious offenses, which still pale in comparison to cop perjury: Norm is pretrial jail & years prison.
It isn't that I wish greater harshness. It's that I wish that majority those coming through the system—mostly poor people, predominantly Black & Latino—were treated w/ the same kind of individualized justice, due process, care & consideration for their lives that police are.
I was just informed that the lead story that started this thread was from back in 2012. Not sure why it showed up in my feed tonight. But all the points still stand. Plus one: Nothing has changed in 8 years. Let this year be the year.
