4 policemen go free after witness lies

[Freddie Stubbs]

The lies of a Hialeah mechanic quickly unravel the civil rights trial of four Miami cops accused of severely beating a career criminal in 1997.
BY LARRY LEBOWITZ
[e-mail]

Grim-faced federal prosecutors marched into court Tuesday and abruptly dropped charges against four Miami police officers accused of beating a career criminal -- conceding that a key government witness lied on the stand last week.

In an extraordinary move, Prosecutors Curtis Miner and Jacqueline Becerra acknowledged the bogus testimony destroyed their case against the officers. But the lies have sparked a new investigation of several star witnesses -- including the alleged victim.

Sources said a Hialeah mechanic who lied in court Friday confessed over the weekend that he fabricated evidence at the urging of 12-time convict Alexander Anazco and his father, Asbert.

''The government has decided that we can no longer responsibly represent Alex Anazco's testimony before this court and jury,'' Miner said. ``We take our responsibilities as officers of this court very seriously, and in this case our responsibilities are fulfilled by asking the court to dismiss the case at this time.''

more: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/7756294.htm

[beevul]

1. Yep

From the article...

"The dismissal was a major victory for Aguero and Castello, who were convicted last year in an unrelated gun-planting conspiracy trial."

"They remain free on bond pending appeals. If they had been convicted in the Anazco beating and lose the gun-planting appeals, prosecutors could have sought lengthier prison terms under federal guidelines."

"Garcia faces retrial next month in the gun-planting case because jurors could not reach an unanimous verdict."



Also convicted of some type of gun planting conspiracy.

I would sure like to depend on those "officers" for protection in a society where gun possession is prohibited and punishable by long jail terms.:eyes:



Not.

[alwynsw]

2. They had to plant 'em

Because you can't buy one there. At least,not without enormous hassles.

[MrSandman]

3. Gun planting?

Like a drop gun to justufy shooting or a frame to get a "criminal" off the street when he fails to cooperate and provide real evidence?

[alwynsw]

4. I should have clarified a bit

Crooked cops need to be prosecuted. Just a little commentary on restrictive gun control.