WAFF.com: North Alabama News, Radar, Weather, Sports and Jobs-Former Huntsville officer found guilty on 1 criminal charge
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By Elizabeth Gentle - bio | email
Posted by Dana Franks - email
HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - Former Huntsville Police Officer Wesley Little was found not guilty on three out of four criminal counts by a jury Friday afternoon.
The one guilty verdict rendered by the jury is for possessing an altered firearm.
Little sat quietly next to his attorney. His family sat behind him, at times wiping away tears, as the jury foreperson read each verdict out loud.
Little was found guilty of possession of an altered firearm, He was found not guilty of possession of a controlled substance, evidence tampering and false reporting.
Judge Hall polled each juror to make sure it was their final decision. After the verdict, WAFF 48 News' camera caught up with Little and his family in the hallway.
His attorney Randy Gladden refused to allow Little an interview opportunity, but spoke on the jury's recommendation.
"I am disappointed he was given a conviction at all. I can say from what he was charged with and how the verdicts came down, what I need to do now is find out what room at City Hall can go to get his reputation back," Gladden said.
During the trial, Gladden told the court that his client was lax on matters of police procedure but didn't break any laws.
Prosecutor Don Rizzardi countered that claim by saying Little offered to find marijuana to help another officer make an arrest, and also that he lied on the witness stand.
"I entered this case hurt and bewildered. We were having to prosecute a police officer. I see him as a liar. When he starts telling police officers not in any trouble up on the stand under oath lying, I got mad," Rizzardi said.
Little will be sentenced on the Class C felony charge in 30 to 60 days. He remains free on bond.
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