Represented by his New York criminal defense attorney, New York City police officer Richard Kern was cleared of all charges in the subway sodomy trial according to the AFP.
Officer Kern, who was accused of using his police baton to sodomize Michael Mineo when he was pinned down and handcuffed was acquitted; along with two other police officers. The Washington Post reports that Officer Kern was facing up to 25 years in prison for his aggravated sexual abuse charge. Officers Andrew Morales and Alex Cruz could have faced four years in prison for allegedly covering up the incident.
After the verdict was read, people on the side of the defense showed their joy and relief. Once he had exited the courthouse, Officer Kern said, "I knew coming in this I was innocent. I was going to stand up for my rights and prove my innocence."
On the prosecution's side, many were upset by the verdict. Mr. Mineo, who was outside of the courthouse when the verdict was read said, "If you want to commit a murder, join the NYPD." In this case no one was murdered; he was referring to other instances in which officers were acquitted in shooting deaths.
The AFP reports that Stephen Jackson, Mr. Mineo's New York attorney, will not let the case end here. Not only will they continue with Mr. Mineo's $350 million civil suit, but they will also attempt to have civil rights charges brought up against all three of the officers.
The jury claimed that the evidence and not Mr. Mineo's gang history led them to their decision.
Related Resources:
- Testimony Aids NYPD Officer's Defense In Sodomy Trial (The New York Criminal Law Blog)
- NY City Subway Sodomy Trial Begins (The New York Criminal Law Blog)
- Verdict (LawBrain)
- New York Criminal Defense Attorney Directory (FindLaw)
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