The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office said one of its deputies did not plant drugs on a Black suspect after a viral video sparked outrage on social media this week.
The video allegedly showed a sheriff’s deputy planting evidence on a suspect during an arrest in Bridge City on Monday, March 16.
The video went viral after rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris posted the clip on his Instagram page and told his 12 million followers:
“The Jefferson Parish PD planting crack on this Man… You should all be ashamed of yourselves,fired,& indicted!!! Listen to the pig at the end talking about “Your Phone Is Evidence!!!” Yeah you right… the evidence we need against YOU!!! Fuckin Dork!!!”
The video was viewed over 3 million times, leading to calls of police misconduct and threats of rioting.
But after an internal investigation, the JPSO determined the white baggie was indeed taken from the suspect’s pocket, according to Nola.com.
During a press conference on Tuesday night, Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto said his department found no wrongdoing.
“The drugs that were on the scene were previously confiscated from the suspect’s pocket before that video started to play,” Lopinto said.
Lopinto thanked the suspect, Dominique Griffin, 26, of Bridge City, who admitted he was in possession of the drugs, which tested positive for crystal methamphetamine.
Griffin told investigators the deputy did not plant the baggie on him, according to Lopinto.
“He understands the gravity of the situation with the accusations that were being made,” Lopinto said of Griffin.
Griffin was booked on two counts of drug possession.
This is an open post where you can discuss any subject matter. This post will not be censored or moderated. Disqus may automatically moderate certain words considered offensive. There are no rules in Open Posts. So enter at your own risk.
