Three former Atlanta police officers who each pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge in connection with the death of an elderly woman during a botched drug raid were sentenced Tuesday to federal prison terms.
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.
Police used a "no-knock" warrant to enter Johnston's house to look for drugs. But prosecutors said officers found none and tried to cover up the mistake by planting baggies of marijuana.
U.S. District Judge Julie E. Carnes sentenced Smith to 10 years in federal prison. She sentenced Junnier to six years and Tesler to five years.
The three earlier had each pleaded guilty on the federal charge of violating Johnston's civil rights.
Smith and Junnier also pleaded guilty to state charges, including manslaughter. They are set to be sentenced on those charges next month.
