A retired Memphis
policeman entered a not guilty plea Wednesday on
charges that he violated the civil rights of a transgender
prostitution suspect in a beating that was caught on
tape, reports the Associated Press. The indictment
accuses the officer, Bridges McRae, 28, of using
excessive force during the intake of Duanna Johnson, 43, at
the Shelby County Jail in February. The video shows
McRae repeatedly hitting Johnson, a trans woman, with
his fists and handcuffs. McRae and his former partner,
James Swain, 25, were both fired after the recording
aired on local TV stations and online in June.
A retired
Memphis, Tenn., policeman entered a not-guilty plea
Wednesday on charges that he violated the civil rights of a
transgender prostitution suspect in a beating that was
caught on tape, reports the Associated Press.
The indictment
accuses the officer, Bridges McRae, 28, of using excessive
force during the intake of Duanna Johnson, 43, at the Shelby
County Jail in February. The video shows McRae
repeatedly hitting Johnson, a trans woman, with his
fists and handcuffs. McRae and his former partner, James
Swain, 25, were both fired after the recording aired on
local TV stations and online in June.
After McRae
pleaded not guilty, he was released on bail and no trial
date has been set. If he is convicted of violating
Johnson's civil rights while in a position of
authority, McRae faces up to a 10-year prison sentence
and a $250,000 fine.
Johnson was
fatally shot in Memphis earlier this month, and the slaying
is still being investigated. (The
Advocate)
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