DOJ Request to Drop Excessive Force Conviction Denied By Judge

The excessive force conviction of an LA sheriff’s deputy was upheld by a federal judge, who months ago spurned prosecutors’ request for a post-verdict plea deal to avoid prison time for Trevor Kirk.

Judge Stephen V. Wilson said it was clearly against the public interest to follow the recommendation of prosecutors, finding they were motivated by disagreement rather than evidence. A motion aimed at undermining the judiciary’s sentencing authority, he said, is contrary to the public interest.

“In short, the Government moved to dismiss because the Court sentenced Defendant to four months in prison rather than one year probation,” Wilson ...