Temper justice with mercy': Ex-Antioch cops who testified against colleagues avoid jail

"U.S. Judge Jeffrey White handed down both sentences at a Tuesday afternoon hearing. The court believes it is appropriate in this case to temper justice with mercy, White said at Harris' hearing, which was immediately followed by Manly-Williams'. White thanked Harris for his sincere remorse and testimony against bad, rotten police officers who not only violated their oaths but visited terror on the Antioch community. He said Manly-Williams' crimes were worse, but his sincere remorse and work making amends went even further."

"Manly-Williams was a star witness against ex-Antioch K9 Officer Morteza Amiri, who was convicted of siccing his dog on a man without cause, but acquitted of conspiracy and civil rights charges. His civil rights conviction was largely thanks to Manly-Williams, who was the lone eyewitness, other than the victim. Similarly, Harris was a star witness against ex-Antioch Officer Devon Wenger, who was convicted of steroids distribution in that trial, then subsequently of conviction in a second trial."

"All told, 14 ex-Antioch and Pittsburg officers were charged with a wide range of state and federal offenses in 2023, and all have sine either been convicted at trial or pleaded guilty. Manly-Williams apologized in court to the public, his family, and ex-colleagues, stating in court he was taking full responsibility and has worked to make amends through volunteer work and self-reflection in the more than two years since he was charged."

Daniel Harris and Timothy Manly-Williams were sentenced to three years' probation instead of jail after a judge credited their sincere remorse, rehabilitation, and cooperation. U.S. Judge Jeffrey White said tempering justice with mercy was appropriate and praised Harris' testimony against corrupt officers. Manly-Williams' cooperation helped secure a civil rights conviction against ex-K9 Officer Morteza Amiri, while Harris' testimony contributed to convictions of ex-Officer Devon Wenger. Amiri and Wenger received seven and seven-and-a-half years in state prison, respectively. A total of 14 ex-Antioch and Pittsburg officers faced state and federal charges in 2023, with all either convicted or pleading guilty. Manly-Williams apologized publicly and described efforts at making amends through volunteer work and self-reflection.

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