A texting scandal involving the Antioch Police Department has apparently let two felony suspects off the hook this week, at least temporarily.
“After thoroughly reviewing the officers' role in this case, applying relevant legal principles, and considering ethical responsibilities, the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office no longer has confidence in the integrity of this prosecution," the DA's office said."Our office extends our deepest sympathies to the family of Mykaella Sharlman and we aspire to renew this prosecution if presented with the opportunity to do so.
The DA's office said it can still refile criminal charges against Montalvo and Boone if new evidence is developed. The Antioch Police Department has been under investigation by the FBI and the Contra Costa County District's Attorney's Office for more than a year over alleged civil rights violations.
The state attorney general's office has also opened an investigation, and at least two local members of Congress have asked the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate. At least three lawsuits have been filed against the city in association with the scandal, which involves at least 45 officers -- 16 in management positions -- who were part of racist and homophobic text message chains. Messages also included threats of violence against people of color, including at least one against Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe.This article tagged under:
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