Feds Recommend Lighter Sentences for Corrupt Atlanta Police

By Odette Yousef

Atlanta, GA – Federal prosecutors recommend that two of the three former Atlanta Police Officers involved in the shooting death of an elderly woman in 2006 have their prison sentences adjusted downward.

According to a memorandum filed this week, Gregg Junnier should get the most significant reduction from his recommended sentence of 10 years and 1 month. Prosecutors say it's appropriate because he was the first to "cross the blue line" and break with his co-conspirators.

They suggest Jason Smith's get a 10-20 percent reduction on a sentence of 12 years and 7 months for, quote, "sufficient" cooperation.

And the memo recommends no reduction for Arthur Tesler's 10 years and 1 month, for "not providing substantial assistance."

Former US Prosecutor John Lovell says again - these are recommendations:

LOVELL: The sentencing guidelines set the benchmark. That's where the judge is going to begin consideration.

The officers plead guilty to conspiring to violate the civil rights of elderly Kathryn Johnston, when they fabricated evidence to break into her home, killed her, then tried to cover up the crime.

The sentencing hearing will be later this month.