A former DeKalb County sergeant on trial for police misconduct orchestrated a series of beatings on three teens and a 18-year-old suspected of burglaries, prosecutors alleged in opening statements Thursday.
But lawyers for Anthony Remone Robinson said the 15-year law enforcement veteran was a scapegoat for two “rogue officers” who fingered their commanding officer in order to evade prison.
“There will be no evidence Sgt. Robinson told them to beat (these suspects),” said defense co-counsel William McKenney.
Former DeKalb officers Blake Norwood and Arthur Parker each pleaded guilty to one count of violation of oath by a public officer and another of making false statements in exchange for their testimony against Robinson. Each received identical sentences of 10 years probation and were ordered to perform 200 hours of community service work.
Robinson, their former supervisor, is charged with 10 felonies, including aggravated assault and battery, and faces a possible 150 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
The case originated from a November 2011 beating at police headquarters that led to Norwood and Parker's dismissal. At first they told investigators they were provoked when 18-year-old suspect Travarrius Williams spit on them.
But their story eventually changed.
“(Williams) never did anything to us,” Norwood said, according to Thomas. “We beat him because we were told to beat him by Sgt. Robinson because he was being disrespectful.”
It was not the first time, Norwood told investigators.
For more, check myajc.com later today for a complete account of the Anthony Robinson trial.
