ATLANTA — A federal judge sentenced three former Atlanta police officers to prison Tuesday for their part in a botched drug raid that ended with the death of an elderly woman in a hail of gunfire.
Jason R. Smith, Gregg Junnier and Arthur Tesler received sentences ranging from five years to 10. Kathryn Johnston, 92, was killed by police gunfire during the 2006 raid at her home.
After receiving an incorrect tip from a known drug dealer, police used a “no-knock” warrant to enter Johnston’s house to look for drugs. As they tried to break in, Johnston fired a single shot through the door with a rusty revolver and the officers fired 39 bullets in return.
Prosecutors say officers found no drugs inside the house and tried to cover up the mistake by planting baggies of marijuana.
U.S. District Judge Julie Carnes sentenced Smith to 10 years in federal prison. She sentenced Junnier to six years and Tesler to five.
The judge said Tuesday she agreed that Smith should have the longest sentence because he provided false information in a sworn statement to secure the no-knock warrant and participated extensively in a cover-up after the incident.
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