DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A former DeKalb Police Officer has been found not guilty of planting drugs on a suspect.
“It was amazing. Best feeling ever. There were nights I couldn't sleep, I just wanted my life back,” said former officer Demetrius Kendrick. “It felt like my hands were tied. I couldn't do anything.”
A video camera outside a Chevron gas station on North Hairston Road helped charge, then free the former officer when it was rolling in July 2012.
The case centered on a few seconds of video.
Kendrick’s lawyer, Tunde Akinyele, said the video was edited. The video appears to show Kendrick throw drugs. Akinyele says Kendrick is actually reaching for his radio.
“That same hand movement Mr. Kendrick made. That hand movement 11 other times in the video,” said Akinyele.
Now found not guilty, Kendrick wants his life and badge back.
“Had to move back home. Lost my place, bills are behind and I had no income coming in,” said Kendrick.
He thanks his mom and the community members for standing behind him while he was brought to his weakest point.
“I am more bitter at the investigator for not properly investigating and doing a sloppy investigation,” said Kendrick.
The District Attorney’s Office released this statement:
“After a thorough review of the evidence and a comprehensive investigation, our office indicted former DeKalb County officer Demetrius Kendrick for Violation of Oath of Office for planting marijuana and later arresting Alphonso Eleby. After speaking with our witnesses and viewing corroborating video surveillance of the incident, we moved forward with prosecution.
It is our duty to prosecute criminal activity when we believe it exists, regardless of the disposition of our victims. In this case, many of our key victims and witnesses acknowledged coming from a life of perpetual drug use. However, our mandate of seeking justice and protecting their rights and the rights of all remain. Ultimately, the jury found Mr. Kendrick not guilty of violating his oath as an officer. Though we respectfully disagree with their resolution, we thank them for their service as jurors.”