Citizen Review Board claims conflict of interest in OPD excessive force case

ORLANDO, Fla. — The U.S. Attorney's Office will review whether and Orlando police officer used excessive force or violated the civil rights of a homeless veteran.
 
The Orlando Police Department's Internal Affairs Division exonerated the officer's use of force, but determined he violated policy on conduct toward the public.
 
The video of the incident has been given to the U.S. Department of Justice for a new investigation prompted by the Citizen's Review Board over concerns of a possible conflict of interest.
 
State Attorney Jeff Ashton said there was enough evidence to charge Terre Johnson with battery for striking Officer James Wilson, but a jury found Johnson not guilty.
 
"If the jury wants to look at the officer's behavior and pardon the defendant because the officer sort of started it, that is fine. That is totally up to them," Ashton said.
 
An OPD investigation found Wilson did not use excessive force, but Chief John Mina admitted his verbal reprimand did not go far enough.
 
The board feels someone outside the department should look into the case because Wilson's mother is also an OPD officer and is married to the Police Union president.
 
"I am confident that our State Attorney would not have charged Mr. Johnson (and) would not have brought this case forward to a jury trial if they believed his constitutional rights were violated," Mina said.  
 
Ashton said he was not focused on a possible civil rights violation, just Johnson's battery charge.

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