Jury Acquits Brighton Officer in Assault Case
BRIGHTON, Colo. (CBS4) - An Adams County jury has acquitted former Brighton Police Officer Juston Henninger of assault and other charges stemming from a 2011 police call to a Brighton home where he was alleged to have used excessive force on a homeowner.
"Well obviously he feels vindicated since he never felt he did anything wrong," said Henninger's attorney, Donald Sisson.
Sisson told CBS4 the six person jury began deliberations last Friday and resumed deliberations Tuesday morning, discussing the case for about three hours before handing down the not guilty verdict.
The incident began on Dec. 10, 2011, when Henninger and other Brighton officers were called to a Brighton home for suspected underage drinking. During the course of the response, Henninger was accused of manhandling the handcuffed homeowner. Prosecutors charged the officer with misdemeanor assault, harassment and official misconduct. Sisson said that as a result of the case, Brighton Police fired Henninger.
The attorney said Henninger would like to return to police work.
"He has an opportunity to go back into law enforcement," said Sisson, who said Henninger will have to overcome the termination on his employment record.
- Written by Brian Maass for CBSDenver.com
