By Allan Lengel
ticklethewire.com
A group of New Orleans cops convicted in connection with the shootings at the infamous Danziger Bridge got whacked at sentencing on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in New Orleans.
Four of the officers got sentences ranging from 38 to 65 years in prison. A fifth officer, who was just involved in the cover up, got six years, the Justice Department announced.
The sentencing capped an ugly chapter in New Orleans history.
Days after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the cops were involved in the shootings of six civilians. Two of the civilians died.
“We hope that today’s sentences give a measure of peace and closure to the victims of this terrible shooting, who have suffered unspeakable pain and who have waited so patiently for justice to be done. The officers who shot innocent people on the bridge and then went to great lengths to cover up their own crimes have finally been held accountable for their actions,” Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Thomas E. Perez said in a statement. “As a result of today’s sentencing, the city of New Orleans can take another step forward.”
U.S. District Court Judge Kurt Englehardt the long sentences as follows:
- Sgt. Kenneth Bowen, 40 years.
- Sgt. Robert Gisevius, 40 years.
- Officer Robert Faulcon, 65 years.
- Officer Anthony Villavaso,38 years.
- Sgt. Arthur “Archie” Kaufman, 6 years.
