A former Louisiana state trooper who faced felony charges in the 2019 death of a Black man who was beaten while in police custody pleaded no contest to reduced charges on Monday, allowing him to avoid prison time in a case that drew protests and prompted a federal civil rights investigation. Trooper, Kory York, 51, had faced charges of negligent homicide and 10 counts of malfeasance in office in the death of Ronald Greene, 49, who was beaten while in custody after a high-speed chase on May 10, 2019. In an agreement with prosecutors, York on Monday pleaded no contest to eight counts of misdemeanor battery in exchange for one year of probation. Four other law enforcement officers were charged in the case, but York, who retired in August, had faced the most serious charges. “This was an outstanding result,” said his attorney, Mike Small, reports the New York Timesl.
Greene's family members gathered in a courtroom on Monday in Farmerville, La., as York’s trial was about to begin. Greene’s mother, Mona Hardin, and another family member asked the judge to not approve the no-contest plea agreement. "My family is a victim, and we should have more of a say,” Hardin said. Greene had been pursued by troopers because of a traffic violation. Initially, his family was had been told that he had died from injuries he had sustained in a crash. Details later revealed that, while in custody, Greene had been shocked with a Taser, put into a chokehold and punched repeatedly as he cried for help. The Union Parish coroner ruled his death accidental from cardiac arrest. Greene’s family commissioned an autopsy that found he had suffered injuries to his skull and face. Findings of a federal investigation have not been released.
Greene's family has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against York. That case is pending.
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