A federal grand jury this week cleared three police officers in a case involving a man whose cellphone was knocked out of his hands when he was arrested.
The eight-member jury, which included two Fullerton residents, reached the unanimous verdict in about two hours, said Dana Fox, an attorney for two of the officers.
“The jury’s verdict sent a loud and unequivocal message that the plaintiff’s claims were without merit, and that none of the officers violated his civil rights,” Fox said.
The jury also found that officers didn’t use excessive force against plaintiff Veth Mam or attempt to prosecute him maliciously.
During the six-day trial, attorneys argued that the officers acted appropriately in dealing with Mam and others and prevented a riot in downtown Fullerton during the evening of Oct. 23, 2010. Mam, who had been taping officers with his phone, was later charged with assaulting a police officer; he was acquitted in July 2011.
“The jury’s verdict further indicated that these officers dealt correctly with a very difficult, dangerous situation,” Fox said.
