Former Cop Breaks Down During Sentencing Hearing

ATLANTA -- One of three former Atlanta police officers being sentenced on federal conspiracy charges in connection with a botched drug raid and shooting death of an elderly woman broke down on the witness stand Monday.

Greer Junnier said, "I used to think I was a good person" before breaking down and crying for 30 to 40 seconds.

Junnier testified, "I knew it was wrong and I didn't stop it. I am not a monster"

Junnier, Jason Smith and Arthur Tesler are being sentenced in U.S. District Court in Atlanta on a charge of conspiracy to violate civil rights resulting in death.

Ninety two year old Kathryn Johnston was killed by police gunfire during the November 2006 raid at her home.

As part of the federal case, the FBI released a report saying the officers falsified information for a no-knock search warrant then busted into Johnston's home the night of November 21, 2006. It's believed Johnston thought they were robbers and tried to defend herself with a revolver.

The report showed Johnston shot once, and the officers returned with numerous rounds. The report showed the three officers never found any drugs in her home, so they planted marijuana seized in an earlier bust and then tried to lie and cover up the incident.

The case led to public outcry and the Atlanta Police Department responded by dismantling and re-organizing its narcotics department.

While Johnston's family is said to be supportive of the lengthy federal sentences being considered for the three officers, the longtime family spokesman Markel Hutchins, says he hopes the FBI report can be used to prompt additional charges at the local level.

"For anyone to suggest that these officers were by themselves is irresponsible at best. The real culprit in this is the culture within the Atlanta police department and the higher ups that laid the foundation. Why aren't they being held accountable," said Reverend Hutchins.

Junnier said his goal is to force the Atlanta Police Department to change its policies on how it evaluates its officers. Junnier testified, "I can't sit back and take a back seat."

Junnier's testimony followed the testimony of officer Jason Smith, who testified, "I am very sorry for my conduct and apologize to everyone for what I did. There is no excuse for this conduct and I accept the sentence of this court."

Smith testified, "My moral compass got off track. I became someone else. I stare at disbelief at the person I've become."

"I pray daily for Ms. Johnston. I also pray other officers in Atlanta will have the moral fortitude I didn't have," Smith added.

Smith also said he violated his integrity as a police officer, and cited his war record as an indication that he should have never done this.

Monday afternoon, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon-Peter Kelly told the judge Junnier gave authorities "an unprecedented nature of cooperation" in their investigation, and recommended his sentence by reduced by 5 years.

Junnier's best friend also testified, breaking down in tears when talking about his friend.

Late Monday afternoon, testimony began in Tesler's sentencing. The sentencing hearing is expected to adjourn at 5:30 p.m. and resume Tuesday morning.