Cops sentenced in post Katrina bridge shooting

[jmra]

From WWLTV.COM
NEW ORLEANS -- Five former NOPD officers were given lengthy sentences for their roles in fatally shooting people and then covering up the incident that occurred on the Danziger Bridge in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Former Officer Robert Faulcon was sentenced to 65 years in prison, while former Sergeant Kenneth Bowen, Sergeant Robert Gisevius each received 40 years and former Officer Anthony Villavaso received 38 years in prison.

Former Sergeant Arthur Kaufman, convicted only of having been involved in the cover-up, received 6 years in prison.

Faulcon faced the most time of the defendants. He was found guilty of both the coverup and the shooting. Faulcon was the only one of the former officers found guilty of depriving both Brisette and Madison of their civil rights.

Bowen Gisevius, Villavaso were each convicted of conspiracy, deprivation of civil rights and firearms charges, and faced the mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years.

Kaufman, who did not shoot at the victims on the bridge, was convicted for his role perpetuating the cover-up. He was found guilty of conspiracy, obstruction of justice and fabricating witnesses and faced the least amount of time of the officers, from 10 to 12 years. He was the lone defendant who remained free on bond after the August verdicts.

The sentences came after a morning of emotional testimony both in support and against the officers who were convicted in the infamous incident that made national headlines.

The emotion of the family statements was nearly matched by the heartfelt pleas by family and co-workers of the officers who testified that the men were brave warriors looking to help and defend the city in a time of chaos following Hurricane Katrina.

Sherrell Johnson, the mother of 17-year-old James Brissette, who was killed in the hail of gunfire, admonished the convicted officers.

"You're actions were harsh, cruel and abusive," she said. "What happened to your oath to protect and serve? Maybe some day God will forgive you, but I never will."

"These officers shot Ronald down like an animal," said Ronald Madion's brother Lance. "You took the life of an angel and ripped my heart out. You lied for so long, I wonder if you even know what the truth is."

Kent Bowen, the father of Kenneth Bowen, who was convicted of deprivation of civil rights and firearms charges, stated that his son never would have fired a weapon at innocent people and that he would only have fired if he feared that he or someone he cared about was in danger.

Lt. Louis Gaydosh, testifying in support of Bowen, said the officer "was a warrior."

[Oldgringo]

Shootin' people is gonna' draw attention, I don't care who you are.

[OldCannon]

They probably forgot why they wore the uniform.

http://oathkeepers.org/oath/2009/03/03/ ... -not-obey/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[flintknapper]

They probably forgot why they wore the uniform.

Or bought into this creed (currently taught at some academies)


If today is to be THE DAY, so be it. If you seek to do battle with me this day you will receive the best that I am capable of giving.
It may not be enough, but it will be everything that I have to give and it will be impressive for I have constantly prepared myself for this day. I have trained, drilled, and rehearsed my actions so that I might have the best chance of defeating you.
I have kept myself in peak physical condition, schooled myself in the martial skills and have become proficient in the application of combat tactics. You may defeat me, but you will pay a severe price and will be lucky to escape with your life.
You may kill me, but I am willing to die if necessary. I do not fear Death, for I have been close enough to it on enough occasions that it no longer concerns me.
But I do fear the loss of my Honor and would rather die fighting than to have it said that I was without Courage.
So I WILL FIGHT YOU, no matter how insurmountable it may seem, and to the death if need be, in order that it may never be said of me that I was not a Warrior.

Instead of this one:


Police Officer’s Creed

As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard
lives and property, to protect the innocent against deception, the ‐weak against
oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect
the Constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality, and justice.

I‐will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all, maintain courageous calm in
the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop self‐restraint; and be constantly mindful
of the welfare of others.

Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and official
life, I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the regulations of my
department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in
my official capacity ‐will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the
performance of my duty.

I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities, or
friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless
prosecution of criminals, I‐will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without
fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never
accepting gratuities.

I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public
trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the police service. I will constantly
strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself to my chosen
profession... law enforcement.