Minnesota Civil Rights News

Former Memphis Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Violations

Alexander Johnson, a former officer with the Memphis Police Department, pleaded guilty today to a one-count felony violation for conspiring to deprive individuals of their civil rights.

“The integrity of law enforcement officers, the vast majority of whom serve with great distinction, is essential to the administration of justice,” said Wan J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “Where that integrity is compromised through a willful abuse of authority, the Justice Department will vigorously prosecute the requirements of federal law.”

“The majority of law enforcement officers are good and hardworking people who risk their lives every day for our safety,” said David Kustoff, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. “However, those officers who violate the public trust will be prosecuted.”

As part of his plea, Johnson acknowledged that he and other Memphis Police Department officers abused their authority as law enforcement officers by stealing cash and drugs, including cocaine and marijuana, from drivers they pulled over. Johnson agreed that his conduct violated federal law. He faces a term of incarceration of up to ten years. Read more at usdoj.gov.

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