Baltimore police officer Edward Nero has been acquitted on all charges in the first verdict given in cases related to the in custody death of Freddie Gray.
Officer Nero opted for a bench trial in favor of a trial by jury. Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry Williams made the decision.
Nero was found not guilty on charges of assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment charges.
Prosecutors alleged Nero unlawfully arrested Gray without probable cause and was negligent when he didn’t buckle the prisoner into a seat belt.
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake issued this statement about the decision:
“Today Judge Barry G. Williams found Officer Edward Nero not guilty of all criminal charges. This is our American system of justice and police officers must be afforded the same justice system as every other citizen in this city, state, and country. Now that the criminal case has come to an end, Officer Nero will face an administrative review by the Police Department. We once again ask the citizens to be patient and to allow the entire process to come to a conclusion. In the case of any disturbance in the city, we are prepared to respond. We will protect our neighborhoods, our business and the people of our city.”
If I remember correctly this mayor is on a witch hunt! If I’m wrong than I’ll br glad.
About time someone charges that awful prosecutor with civil rights violations for charging these cops for doing their job. Baltimore take back your city.
Finally!