Former Louisiana state trooper freed from case of beating black driver to death • Louisiana Illuminator

A former Louisiana state trooper accused in the 2019 beating death of Black motorist Ronald Greene was freed Monday after striking a deal with Union Parish prosecutors before his trial began.

Kory York, who initially faced the most serious felony charge among the group of five white officers involved in Greene’s death, pleaded no contest to eight counts of simple battery (a misdemeanor) and received a six-month suspended sentence and a $1,000 fine. and 160 hours of community service, according to court records.

York’s trial was set to begin Monday morning. The suspended sentence allows him to avoid prison time, although he is placed on probation for a year.

York previously faced 10 counts of malfeasance in office and one count of negligent homicide, but District Attorney John Belton dropped most of those charges. Belton could not be reached for comment Monday.

Medical examiner’s records related to Ronald Greene’s death are missing

York was among five law enforcement officers indicted by a grand jury in Greene’s death and subsequent cover-up nearly two years ago.

Police body camera footage shows officers kicking, dragging, beating and shocking Greene with a stun gun following a vehicle pursuit in May 2019. Greene died while handcuffed and shackled on the side of the road, but troopers allegedly told Greene’s family that his death was the result. The crash that ended the police chase. They too It is alleged that he was detained Some images from the extensive investigation file sent to Belton’s office.

But from the beginning, Belton’s office had difficulty prosecuting the case against York and the other defendants; Nearly all of their charges were dropped.

York was allowed to retire from the Louisiana State Police in August.

The only remaining case is against Union Parish Sheriff’s deputy Chris Harpin, who is accused of misconduct.