Trooper acquitted of civil rights violation could be back at work Monday

AP
Published: October 3, 2008

The head of South Carolina’s Public Safety Department says a trooper acquitted of intentionally ramming a fleeing suspect will be reinstated. Department of Public Safety Director Mark Keel said Friday that Lance Cpl. Steven Garren could be back on the force as early as Monday.

Garren won his federal trial earlier in the day. A video captured the collision and recorded Garren bragging about it afterward.

But Garren’s attorneys convinced jurors the collision was an accident. Keel says Garren - suspended since his federal indictment - cannot be disciplined by the department again.

He also says the ordeal sends an important message to all law enforcement. Garren could have faced up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if he had been convicted.