Associated Press
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Jurors have found a former Georgia sheriff’s deputy not guilty of charges stemming from her role in setting up a “no-knock” drug raid that severely injured a toddler when a flash grenade detonated in his playpen.
WSB-TV reports the jury on Friday found Nikki Autry not guilty of the charges against her.
Deputies serving the warrant in May 2014 tossed a flash bang device into the home where they thought a drug dealer was staying. The device landed in the playpen of 19-month-old Bounkham “Bou Bou” Phonesavanh, leaving him with severe injuries to his face and chest.
Prosecutors said Autry was overzealous. The defense argued that Autry was well-respected and dedicated and was made into a scapegoat.
Autry was the only law enforcement officer charged in the case.
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