Former Minneapolis officer sentenced to nearly 5 years for role in George Floyd's killing
Ex-Minneapolis Police officer sentenced on State charge in George Floyd's death - USA Trending Blog
Former Minneapolis police officer Tou Thao, the last officer facing state sentencing in George Floyd's death, was sentenced Monday to 4 years and 9 months in prison for his role in the May 2020 arrest that sparked global protests and a national reckoning on police brutality and systemic racism.
Thao, who kept bystanders away as Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes, was convicted in May in state court of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter after he rejected a plea deal and waived his right to a jury trial.
Former Minneapolis officer sentenced to nearly 5 years for role in George Floyd's killing
Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill reached a verdict in the stipulated bench trial based on exhibits and transcripts from Chauvin’s murder trial, which Cahill presided over, and the federal civil rights trial of Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane. Thao testified during that trial he served as "a human traffic cone," controlling the crowd of bystanders as the other officers restrained Floyd, who was Black.
Thao again denied wrongdoing in court Monday.
“After three years of reflection, I was hoping for a little more remorse,” Cahill said.
Thao denies wrongdoing, prosecutor says he 'knew better'
During the hearing, Assistant Attorney General Erin Eldridge said Floyd narrated his own death while Thao “stood by and allowed it to happen” and stopped others from helping the dying man.
“He knew better, and he was trained to do better,” Eldridge said.
Thao spoke at length Monday about his growth as a Christian during his incarceration and insisted he "did not commit these crimes."
"My conscience is clear," Thao said. "I will not be a Judas nor join a mob in self-preservation or betray my God.”
Cahill responded that he was hoping “for more than preaching” from the former officer. After the sentencing, Thao's attorney, Robert Paule, said they will appeal but declined to comment further.
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