[420 Girl]

A federal judge has sentenced three former Atlanta Police officers to prison terms in connection with a botched drug raid that left a 92-year-old woman dead.

Jason Smith, Gregg Junnier and Arthur Tesler pled guilty to a charge of conspiracy to violate civil rights resulting in death.

U.S. District Judge Julie Carnes sentenced Smith to 10 years in prison, 3 years probation and a $100 fine.

Judge Carnes sentenced Junnier to 6 years in prison, 3 years probation and a $100 fine.

Judge Carnes sentenced Tesler to 5 years in prison and 3 years of supervised release.

The judge also ordered all three men to split the funeral costs of nearly $8200 for Kathryn Johnston, who was killed by police gunfire in the November 2006 raid.

In the sentencing hearing, Judge Carnes said, "The sentence must be tough to send a message to other police and also mend the confidence of the community." While she indicated the three men did eventually cooperate with authorities, she said "This is a wrenching process for everybody."

Judge Carnes was also very critical of the Atlanta Police Department and indicated the shooting was due in part to pressure on police officers to make drug arrests.

The judge told all three men that she did believe in redemption, and they could come out of this and make important contributions to the community.

The U.S. Attorney's office had recommended that Smith serve about 12 1/2 years in federal prison, and Junnier and Tesler serve about 10 years. Prosecutors recommended that Smith and Junnier receive reduced sentences because they cooperated with authorities.

All three expressed remorse Monday for their involvement, and asked the judge for leniency in their sentences.

Police originally said officers went to Johnston's home after an informant bought drugs there. But after finding none, officers tried to cover up the mistake by planting baggies of marijuana and conspired to lie to federal investigators, prosecutors have said.

http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...drug-raid.html