Trial of former Atlanta detective Arthur Tesler

Metro Atlanta

Trial of former Atlanta detective Arthur Tesler

A Fulton County jury found an Atlanta Det. Arthur Bruce Tesler guilty of lying to investigators about a botched drug raid that led to the fatal shooting of a 92-year-old woman, but it acquitted him on two other charges.

Arthur Tesler (left) watches his wife, Kelli Tesler (right) come forward to read a statement before the court Thursday.

Rev. Markel Hutchins (center) talks with APD Chief Richard Pennington (right) Thursday before sentencing got under way.

Arthur Tesler stands to be sentenced Thursday. An Atlanta police officer convicted of lying to investigators about the Kathryn Johnston shooting was sentenced Thursday to four years and six months in prison, as well as six months on probation.

Arthur Tesler gets emotional as his friend, Jason Rainey reads a letter before the court Thursday.

Former Atlanta Detective Arthur Tesler fights to hold back his emotions as his wife reads a letter on his behalf to the Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Thursday. He was convicted of lying to investigators about a shooting and sentenced to four years and six months in prison, and six months on probation.

Civil rights activist, Al Sharpton (center) stands with other onlookers in the jury box following the sentencing Thursday.

Civil rights activist, Al Sharpton (left) speaks with Fulton County DA, Paul Howard (right) while the judge recessed to read letters before sentencing.

Arthur Tesler is led out of court following the verdict Thursday.

A Fulton County jury found an Atlanta Det. Arthur Bruce Tesler guilty of lying to investigators about a botched drug raid that led to the fatal shooting of a 92-year-old woman, but it acquitted him on two other charges. Tesler stands with his attorney, William McKenney.

Rev. Markel Hutchins, who represented the victim's family, and Kelley Tesler, the officer's wife, leave the courthouse after the verdict. The verdict came after the jury deliberated for three days and spent hours reviewing a transcript of Det. Arthur Bruce Tesler's testimony in his own defense. Tesler, 42, faces up to five years in prison, with sentencing set for Thursday.

Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard watched opening statements of the case on May 5.

Former Narcotics Unit Commander Lt. Stacie Gibbs testified during the trial.

The trial drew the Rev. Al Sharpton's attention as well. The activist attended the trial.

Sharpton, waving, is greeted warmly by passersby.

Kelley Tesler attended the trial, anxiously awaiting the outcome of her husband.

Assistant District Attorney Kellie Hill pressed the jury to find the officer guilty.

Tesler's attorney, William McKenney, speaks with the media outside after the verdict.

Hill speaks with fellow Assistant District Attorney Peter Odom.

Tesler speaks to his attorney during the trial.

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Arthur Tesler (left) watches his wife, Kelli Tesler (right) come forward to read a statement before the court Thursday.

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