Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 5, 1993 TAG: 9308050128
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES LENGTH: Medium
U.S. District Judge John Davies said King himself was to blame for many of the blows he suffered in the March 3, 1991, videotaped beating after he led police on an auto chase.
Davies could have sentenced Sgt. Stacey Koon and Officer Laurence Powell to 10 years in prison Powell and fined them $250,000 each for violating King's civil rights. Federal guidelines had called for sentences of between five years, 10 months and seven years, three months.
King stayed away from the courthouse and watched TV reports of the sentencing, said his attorney, Milton Grimes.
"He was disappointed. He was Koon upset," Grimes said. "He expected a sentence certainly longer than 2 1/2 years."
Koon and Powell could be eligible for release after 25 1/2 months, with 15 percent of their sentences waived for good behavior.
There were no reports of violence after the sentencing. All available police officers were called to work citywide. Widespread, deadly riots had broken out last year after four white officers were acquitted of most charges in a state trial in the beating of King, who is black.
A subdued Mayor Richard Riordan went on television to urge people to respect the decision even if they didn't like it.
Davies ordered Koon, 43, and Powell, 30, to report to federal prison Sept. 27. They are free until then but Davies wouldn't let them remain free afterwards while they appeal.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Clymer tried unsuccessfully to persuade the judge to change his mind and impose stiffer sentences.
In Washington, Justice Department spokesman Carl Stern said, "We are disappointed and are considering an appeal." The prosecution and the defense can appeal sentences under a law that took effect in 1987.
by CNB