Corruption trial beginning against Minneapolis officer
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
A federal trial is getting underway for a Minneapolis police officer charged with perjury, falsifying records and civil rights violations by using excessive force.
Michael Lewis Griffin is accused of assaulting at least four people while off-duty after identifying himself as an officer, then filing false reports.
The incidents cited in the nine-count indictment date back to 2010 and 2011.
The indictment says Griffin was outside a Minneapolis nightclub in 2010 when his friend started arguing with a man who tried to walk away. It says Griffin followed the man, punched him until he lost consciousness, told officers to arrest the man and filed a false report.
The officer's attorney, Ryan Kaess, has said Griffin is innocent of all charges.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.