ATLANTA — A federal judge sentenced three former Atlanta police officers to prison Tuesday for their part in a botched drug raid that ended with the death of an elderly woman in a hail of gunfire in 2006.
Jason R. Smith, Gregg Jun nier and Arthur Tesler received sentences ranging from five years to 10. Kathryn Johnston, 92, was killed by police gunfire during the raid at her home.
After receiving an incorrect tip from a known drug dealer, police used a “no-knock” warrant to enter Johnston’s house to look for drugs. As they tried to break in, Johnston fired a single shot through the door with a rusty revolver, and the officers fired 39 bullets in return. Prosecutors say officers found no drugs inside and tried to cover up the mistake by planting drugs.
