OWENSBORO, Ky. (AP) — A former Kentucky police officer has been convicted of arresting a person without probable cause.
The U.S. Justice Department said in a news release Monday that William Dukes Jr. was found guilty last week in federal court in Owensboro. The release said testimony indicated Dukes arrested the person because the person called several law enforcement agencies seeking to file a complaint against him.
Defense lawyer William M. Butler Jr. said in a telephone interview that Dukes arrested the man because he was tying up dispatch services and that Dukes was within his rights.
Dukes was acquitted of violating the person’s First Amendment rights and of obstruction of justice.
Dukes is a former sergeant with the Providence, Kentucky, Police Department.
Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 13 in Owensboro. Dukes remains free on bond
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