Acquitted Sean Bell Officers Face NYPD Charges

Seven NYPD officers — including the three recently cleared of all criminal wrongdoings — are now facing a variety of departmental charges from the NYPD for their actions on the night that soon-to-be groom Sean Bell was killed and his friends were wounded. They range from "firing weapons outside of departmental guidelines" to "taking police action while undercover." No immediate action can be taken on the charges, since a federal investigation is still taking place.

The lawyer for Gescard Isnora, the officer who initially confronted Bell and friends outside of a Queens strip club, downplays the charges, telling the NY Post that the department only charged the officers because the 18-month statue of limitations is almost up. After an investigation is complete, he says, the charges are usually dropped or modified. As is, the charges could lead to suspension or firing. Several civil rights leaders (one in particular) has called on the brass to fire the officers immediately. Clearly, that's not going to happen any time soon. And maybe never…

May 21, 2008 · posted by Lauren Williams, Stereohyped · Link · 3 Responses

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Tagged: NYPD, Sean Bell

Comments (3)

No. 1 · cosmicsistren

It is really sad that these cops get a slap on the wrist for their actions that ended up killing Sean Bell. However, in Philly the cops that beat up 3 men are given stiffer and quicker disicplinary action. It just shows the disparity between cops in New York than anywhere else.

Posted: May 21, 2008 at 9:50 am

No. 2 · Loudmouth Protestant

Corruption abounds but I believe that these cops will get what is coming to them. It just may not be through the legal system…

Posted: May 21, 2008 at 11:04 am

No. 3 · Earnestine Lawrence

Please,not another police beating/death and yet another slap on the wrist.When will we stop praying about it and hoping for a religious leaders or black politicians to come along and change the world.They are targets too.If we don't collectively make the necessary changes…nothing will change. Can't expect the laws to protect us,they were not designed to.

Posted: May 22, 2008 at 2:23 am

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