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A former Minneapolis police officer will not see jail time after he admitted to assaulting a Black man who opened fire in self-defense during a 2020 protest, according to WCCO.
Justin Stetson pleaded guilty to third-degree assault, a felony, and a misdemeanor charge of misconduct of a police officer on Wednesday, May 10. A judge accepted his plea deal, which will see Steton's sentence stayed for two years under pending conditions, including never seeking work in law enforcement in Minnesota again.
Stetson apologized for beating up Jaleel Stallings, a former Army veteran, on May 30, 2020, during a protest following the death of George Floyd. Stallings opened fire on Minneapolis cops after they shot him in the chest with a rubber bullet, according to a criminal complaint. Prosecutors said the Black man dropped his gun and laid on the ground once he realized it was police shooting at him.
Court documents state Stetson kicked and punched Stallings repeatedly in the face and even slammed his head on the ground. Various videos also showed the cop hurling profanities and not issuing any commands to the victim.
Stallings was initially facing eight felonies, including attempted murder, but was later acquitted of the charges in September 2021. A jury found him not guilty after bodycam footage and surveillance videos countered the narrative presented by police in official reports.
Stallings also filed a lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis and several officers over his arrest and false reports made by police. Officials settled the case for $1.5 million in May 2022, per KMSP.
Prosecutors are seeking two years of felony probation for Stetson, not prison time. The Army veteran told WCCO the plea deal doesn't do enough to hold Stetson accountable for his actions.
"I feel like this is being far too lenient and basically just giving him a way out," Stallings said. "I feel like it doesn't deter negative actions from any other police officers that may be looking to follow in those same footsteps."
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office prosecuted Stetson, called the defendant's admission of guilt "historic."
"Rarely if ever do police officers plead guilty to using excessive force," Ellison said in a news release. "With this plea, Minnesota has shown once again that law-enforcement personnel will be held accountable for their oath to uphold the law. Accountability is not justice, but it is an important step on the path to justice."
Stetson is due back in court on August 9 for sentencing. Reporters said other conditions of his stay include a written apology to Stallings, an anger management class, and no use or possession of firearms.
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