By DAVID RUNK, The Associated Press
DETROIT (AP) -- A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment in the case against city police officers whose actions have been described as a series of civil rights violations, the U.S. attorney’s office said Thursday.
The new indictment charges 18 officers -- one more than charged in the case in June -- with conspiring to violate an individual’s constitutional rights. Also, the U.S. attorney’s office said two officers are charged with lying to federal agents.
“The superseding indictment ... sends a clear message that no one is above the law and that all persons are entitled to constitutional provisions,” U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Collins said in a statement. “Our office remains committed to rooting out corruption.”
The indictments follows the continuation of an investigation by the department’s internal affairs unit, the FBI and the Justice Department into complaints from the public and prisoners. The U.S. attorney’s office said the agencies uncovered more evidence of illegal searches, unlawful arrests, excessive force and planting of evidence.
Detroit Police Chief Jerry Oliver said the indictment represents part of his department’s effort to rebuild its credibility and earn the respect of citizens. In June, the U.S. Justice Department wrapped up a 30-month investigation into the department and announced consent decrees that called for an independent monitor.
“Even in light of this unfortunate matter, we are still very focused on our mission and are prepared to move the department forward,” Oliver said in a statement.
The government has said the indicted officers would try to find people they thought were dealing drugs or places where drugs were being sold. They are accused of restraining, searching and questioning suspects without a warrant or cause.
If they found narcotics or firearms, the indictment alleges, they would falsify police reports to justify charges. If nothing illegal was found, the government says the officers would plant drugs, firearms or money on the defendants.