In the midst of testimony from multiple officers describing Chicago Police Officer William Pruente's actions during a traffic stop, the defense produced a video from the scene that contradicted the testimony of the officers.
Chicago, IL- Three narcotics officers from Chicago and one officer from the nearby town of Glenview have been charged with lying under oath during a hearing in March 2014.
Glenview Officer James Horn, Chicago Sgt. James Padar, Chicago Officer William Pruente, and Chicago Officer Vince Morgan are facing felony charges of perjury, misconduct and obstruction of justice. The charges were announced on Monday by Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.
The charges stemmed from court testimony given by officers regarding a June 2013 traffic stop in Glenview that led to a drug-related arrest. Joseph Sperling, a Glenview resident, was pulled over near his home by Pruente after failing to use his turn signal, according to Pruente’s testimony. Pruente also testified that he smelled marijuana from inside the car as he waited for Sperling to provide his license and insurance information.
Pruente then stated that Sperling admitted to having a small about of marijuana with him. Pruente said he ordered Sperling to step out of his car and stand next to the trunk. Close to a pound of marijuana in a backpack was in plain view in the backseat, according to Pruente’s testimony.
Pruente said that while the other officers stood watch, he performed a vehicle search and found the marijuana before handcuffing and arresting Sperling. Officers Horn, Padar, and Morgan each provided testimony to corroborate Pruente’s claims.
But as a fifth officer was providing similar testimony backing up the statements of Pruente, Sperling’s lawyer surprised the courtroom by showing a police video that Goldman had subpoenaed. The footage shown directly contradicted the testimony from all five officers.
More
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Of course, it's the VERY FIRST TIME any of them lied, falsified evidence, conspired to commit perjury, committed perjury, obstructed justice, or anything bad at all.
ReplyDeleteThe rest of their time, they help old ladies across the street and get kittens out of trees.
How stupid can those cops be telling lies under oath when they knew the video existed and the defense had subpoenaed the tape. You just can't find good quality help these days.
ReplyDeleteThe thin blue line.... The margin police have from being a cop to criminal.
ReplyDeleteHere it is. Cops lie. And they lie to support each other! They get to sit around and get their stories straight all while talking to the prosecution. Makes me wonder if the states prosecutors knew as well. A slam dunk dope case and the cops still lied. Not only that but did want they wanted and didn't follow the law.