By Michael Komorn
Members from an Atlanta police narcotics team got a tip from an informant about an alleged drug stash, in November, 2006. As it turned out, the alleged drug house belonged to 92-year-old Kathryn Johnston.
(Related: What Did I Just Get Charged With?)
When police receive tips like this, protocol is to confirm them by using an informant to make a controlled drug buy. Instead, the police lied on the search warrant, claiming to have conducted such a buy when they had not.
Johnston woke hours later to the frightening disturbance of someone breaking into her home; she met the police with a broken old revolver she stashed at the side of the bed to scare off intruders. They opened fire.
(Related: Why Police Lie Under Oath)
The officers called for medical help for their three colleagues who had been wounded by friendly fire. And Johnston, after realizing their mistake they handcuffed her and left her to bleed to death on her own living room floor while one of the officers planted marijuana in her basement.
In a subsequent federal investigation it was revealed that Atlanta drug cops routinely lied on search warrants. Media investigation and city council hearings ensure, and discovered a number of additionally botched raids on citizens of Atlanta who had previously been afraid to come forward.
(Related: This Is What Legalization Looks Like)
If your rights have been violated contact Komorn Law, PLLC at 800-656-3557 for bring your violators to justice.
