Tesler pleads to federal charges

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – A former Atlanta police investigator is serving a 5 year sentence in state prison for helping to cover up the fatal Kathryn Johnston shooting.

On Thursday, Arthur Tesler pleaded guilty to federal charges.

With his federal plea, Tesler admitted he violated Johnston's civil rights.

Tesler's attorney wanted to fight in federal court. However, the 42-year-old told his lawyer he just wants to get on with his life.

Tesler helped cover up the illegal obtainment of a no-knock search warrant for Johnston's home. His former partners, Officers Greg Junnier and Jason Smith, already pleaded to federal charges.

US Attorney David Nahmias spoke to reporters yesterday after the hearing.

NAHMIAS: "We are glad that today's guilty plea brings another measure of justice to Mrs. Johnston's family, to Mrs. Johnston and to the community and that the cooperation of officers Junnier and Smith and the dedicated investigation by the FBI have brought other police misconduct to light."

A judge will sentence Tesler in February. Federal prosecutors requested 10 years and one month in prison.