*“The humiliation of being told I didn’t belong in my own neighborhood,”* she testified, *“and the anger listening to racial slurs in my own living room.”*
Reeves’ lawyer argued that his client had been following his training and responding to what he genuinely believed was a suspicious situation. The argument fell apart when prosecutors showed that no suspicious person report had ever been made and that Reeves had admitted to fabricating the initial reason for contact.
Thompson’s attorney tried to claim his client was just following his partner’s lead. That defense crumbled when prosecutors played audio of Thompson actively participating in the racial abuse and illegal search.
Three retired cops took the stand to describe a culture of racism within the department. One former sergeant testified that he had tried to report concerns about both officers but had been told by supervisors to mind his own business.
The jury deliberated for eight hours across two days. When they returned, the verdict was swift and complete: guilty on all counts for both defendants.
Officer Reeves was convicted on seven federal charges. Officer Thompson on six. The maximum combined sentence they faced was over 20 years in federal prison.
The sentencing hearing took place two months later. Judge Williams was allowed to give a victim impact statement before sentencing.
*“Your actions didn’t just violate my rights,”* she told both defendants, who couldn’t meet her eyes. *“You damaged the relationship between law enforcement and the community. Every Black citizen who hears about this case will wonder if they are safe in their own neighborhoods. Their own homes.”*
Judge Chen sentenced Officer Reeves to 15 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole. Officer Thompson received 12 years.
Both men would serve their time in federal facilities far from their home state. Convicted police officers don’t fare well in prison.
