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Former Memphis Officer Pleads Not Guilty In Transgender Beating

by Cypresso | November 21, 2008 at 03:19 pm

103 views | 9 Recommendations | 7 comments

Former Memphis Officer Pleads Not Guilty In Transgender Beating (Photo: Ms. Johnson)

A retired Memphis, Tenn., policeman entered a not-guilty plea Wednesday on charges that he violated the civil rights of a transgender prostitution suspect in a beating that was caught on tape, reports the Associated Press.

The indictment accuses the officer, Bridges McRae, 28, of using excessive force during the intake of Duanna Johnson, 43, at the Shelby County Jail in February. The video shows McRae repeatedly hitting Johnson, a trans woman, with his fists and handcuffs. McRae and his former partner, James Swain, 25, were both fired after the recording aired on local TV stations and online in June.

After McRae pleaded not guilty, he was released on bail and no trial date has been set. If he is convicted of violating Johnson's civil rights while in a position of authority, McRae faces up to a 10-year prison sentence and a $250,000 fine.

Johnson was fatally shot in Memphis earlier this month, and the slaying is still being investigated.

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Rhonda J Mangus

at 15:41 on November 21st, 2008

Thanks for this story, Cypresso. Related NowPublic story can be read here.

Cypresso

at 15:43 on November 21st, 2008

Thanks for the link and comment, Rhonda... I had been following the previous stories... and I do appreciate the link... I had added a video, but it is not coming up with the story for some reason

Cypresso

at 15:44 on November 21st, 2008

Another click on the wrong button for "reply" I am learning...

Rhonda J Mangus

at 15:53 on November 21st, 2008

You are very welcome, Cypresso! Members often times link stories at the end of their story, or scatter throughout the body of their story. I think the video is not coming up here because you added it to the related story:) Life is about learning -- believe me, I know!:)

Cypresso

at 16:29 on November 21st, 2008

You are probably correct, about me adding it to the related story... but that is all cool, because it is still out there. :) About learning.. Well, I had a teacher, who once told me, that the day I quit learning, is the day I will be dead, lol. I learn more and more, each and every day... About linking.. I am seeing it... and working with it.. I have several websites, but this is a bit different...