The Associated Press
Jacksonville, Fla. (AP) -- Two corrupt police officers now serving prison terms were ordered to pay $9.8 million to the family of a businessman whom one of the officers strangled in his patrol car after taking his money.
While the judgment may never be paid, the ruling in the civil case recognizes the tremendous loss suffered by Sami Safar’s family, attorney Jeffrey Morris said.
In 1998, officer Karl Waldon pulled over Safar after the convenience store chain owner withdrew $51,000 from a bank, then the officer strangled Safar in the patrol car’s back seat. Aric Sinclair, an off-duty officer who worked security at the bank, had given Waldon information about Safar’s banking habits.
The ruling by Senior U.S. District Judge John Moore II was issued Tuesday. It was made by a judge because the plaintiffs had waived their right to a jury trial.
The family previously settled with the city for $375,000, and received an undisclosed amount from the bank.
Waldon is serving four life sentences for violating Safar’s civil rights, taking money from drug dealers and other federal convictions. Sinclair is serving a 17-year term for conspiracy.
The criminal case grew out of a federal investigation into allegations that some Jacksonville police officers were tipping off drug dealers about raids.