Federal prosecutors told family members Tuesday they will not bring charges in the deadly 2019 arrest of Black motorist Ronald Greene, closing the books on a lengthy FBI investigation into the white troopers who stunned, punched and dragged Greene on a roadside and allegations of an attempted cover-up by the Louisiana State Police.
The U.S. Justice Department informed Greene’s family of the decision as officials were also preparing to release findings from a broader civil rights investigation that found a pattern of state troopers using excessive force, according to two officials familiar with the inquiry. The officials spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they could not publicly discuss details ahead of an announcement expected later in the week.
That “pattern-or-practice” inquiry, launched in 2022, followed an AP investigation that found Greene’s arrest was among at least a dozen cases in which state troopers and their bosses ignored or concealed evidence of beatings, deflected blame and impeded efforts to root out misconduct in the agency. In one case, a white trooper pummeled a Black man 18 times with a flashlight following a traffic stop, leaving him with a broken jaw, broken ribs and a gash to his head.
To read the AP's whole story, click here.
Here's an update from the Governor and the AG:
“This report, conducted under the previous administration, seeks to diminish the service and exceptionality of LSP. We will not let that happen. The reputation of our men and women in blue is one of respect, admiration, and appreciation, and we will always have their back,” said Governor Jeff Landry.
“This report follows months of USDOJ inactivity and virtually no engagement with the State. It is unfortunate that political appointees of the USDOJ are continuing to use the agency to advance a political agenda. We will continue to ensure that LSP is the finest law enforcement organization in the country and have a deep respect and appreciation for all of Louisiana’s law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line for the citizens of our great State each and every day and they have our steadfast support,” Attorney General Liz Murrill said.
