If convicted of the most serious charge, conspiracy , the officers would each face up to 20 years in prison. ”Officers who violate the law cannot be tolerated because effective law enforcement requires public trust,” said U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade. Detroit Police Chief James Craig appreciated that criminal allegations of this magnitude impacts the public trust. Prosecutors proved that Hansberry and Watson “allegedly identified themselves as police officers to coerce their victims into complying with their demands and to encourage their victims to flee, leaving behind illegal drugs, money, and personal property.” The case was investigated by the FBI Detroit Area Public Corruption Task Force, in collaboration with the police. 11 years ago, a federal jury acquitted eight Detroit police officers of planting evidence and writing phony reports in several cases to justify the arrests of suspected drug dealers and prostitutes. It’s not sure if the history will repeat.
