A jury trial has commenced for ex-Antioch police officers Morteza Amiri and Devon Wenger, accused of conspiring to violate civil rights. U.S. Attorney Alexandra Shepard outlined the prosecution's case, which relies on incriminating text messages and testimonies from other officers and victims that portray a culture of violence. The defense lawyer argues the messages were mere exaggerations typical of unchecked police banter and portrays Amiri as a committed officer. Significant evidence, including photos taken post-confrontations, is presented to establish the severity of their actions during their duty.
In her opening statement, U.S. Attorney Alexandra Shepard told jurors the prosecution's case is built on text messages and photos shared between the defendants, as well as testimony of police and the alleged victims.
They planned to hurt people, they encouraged each other to hurt people, and then they went out and hurt people that didn't deserve it, Shepard said.
It was ultimately just exaggerating, Goyette said. It's a bunch of s talking, Goyette said. But none of that actually materialized into anything.
Amiri joined the Antioch police department in 2017 because it was a great place to learn and described his client as a dedicated public servant who frequently sought extra shifts because he loved his job.
Collection
[
|
...
]