Two police officers convicted in the death of a man riding a moped in Washington, D.C., have been pardoned by President Donald Trump, the White House announced Wednesday.
Former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Lieutenant Andrew Zabavsky, 56, was charged with conspiracy and obstruction of justice in the September 2020 death of Karon Hylton-Brown The case was sentenced. Another former MPD officer, Terence Sutton Jr., 40, was also convicted and sentenced in the case.
The White House said in a statement that Trump granted full and unconditional pardons to Zabowski and Sutton.
On Tuesday, the D.C. police union said it was working with the Trump administration to secure pardons for Zabavski and Sutton. On the same day, Trump said he approved pardons for both men.
Trump pardoned six defendants almost all month long on Inauguration Day
President Donald Trump speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Trump pardoned two former Washington, D.C., police officers who were convicted of killing a man during a deadly chase. (AP Photo/Julia DeMarie Nicholson)
“I just approved it,” Trump said at a news conference. “They arrested two police officers and put them in jail as they pursued criminals.”
The union said in a statement on Tuesday that both men were wrongly convicted and maliciously prosecuted.
Justice Department responds to January’s ‘excessive’ treatment of Turley, says six rioters ‘undermined’ prosecution after pardon
“These officers – men of integrity and dedication – are targeted by corrupt prosecutors who weaponize the legal system against them,” the union said.
Sutton was convicted and sentenced to 66 months in prison for Hilton-Brown’s death, while Zabowski was sentenced to 48 months in prison.
Karon Hylton-Brown, 20, died during a police pursuit on a moped, authorities said. Two former Washington, D.C., police officers were convicted for their roles in his death. President Donald Trump pardoned them. (WTTG)
Authorities said Hilton Brown was riding a moped without a helmet on the sidewalk on Oct. 23, 2020, when Sutton tried to pull him over with an unmarked car. A chase ensued, with speeds reaching more than twice the speed limit on residential streets. Ministry of Justice explain.
Hilton-Brown was eventually struck by a car in an alley during the pursuit. He suffered severe head injuries and died two days later. The pursuit appeared to violate the Metropolitan Police Department’s policy prohibiting pursuits.
Minor traffic violations will prohibit high-speed chases.
D.C. police had a near-constant presence at the intersection of 5th St NW and Kennedy St NW, where officers initiated a chase that resulted in the death of 20-year-old Karon Hylton. And death. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Click here to get the Fox News app
Prosecutors allege the two officers conspired to conceal the events leading up to Hilton’s death, such as failing to inform superior officers of the severity of his injuries.
Prosecutors also claim police turned off body cameras minutes after the collision and failed to take testimony from witnesses.
