Sacramento Officers cleared of abuse Charges Sought by Black Women

• Black Women alleged excessive force in traffic stop

Three Sacramento County sheriff's officers were exonerated Monday in federal court of allegations that they abused their authority during a traffic stop that led to an altercation with three African American women. "The officers feel real good about being vindicated, and they feel real good about the department being vindicated," said Sacramento County Sheriff Lou Blanas. Although in court the three women showed no visible reaction to the jury's decision, afterward they said it was an outrage. "Should we expect anything less from an all-white jury from outside the county? I don't think so," said Andrea Torres, who filed the suit with Precious Williams and Dianne Campbell.  Jurors, who were selected from 23 predominantly rural counties in northeast California, couldn't be reached for comment afterward. In their verdicts, which were returned Monday afternoon, jurors rejected claims that Deputy Heather Sullivan, Sgt. Gregory Johnson and Deputy David Leon used excessive force, were liable for malicious prosecution and made false arrests. The county was sued in a separate allegation that claimed the May 11, 2002, traffic stop was racially motivated, but that claim was dropped before jurors began deliberations late Friday. Though the allegation was dropped, Stewart Katz, who represented the women, said race was the central theme in the case. [more]

• Pictured above: Andrea Torres, center, aunt Dianne Campbell, left, and cousin Precious Williams had alleged excessive force, false arrest and malicious prosecution. They said they were outraged with the decision.