Putting Ferguson in Context – New Jersey Man Faced 5 Years in Jail Before Dashcam Video Proved Police Abuse

*Note: While the following incident happened in 2012, it helps put the recent events in Ferguson in context, particularly for privileged white people who don’t have to deal with police abuse on a daily basis. Marcus Jeter was only cleared in February 2014, once the dashcam video surfaced.

Sarah Wallace: “If this tape hadn’t surfaced?”

Marcus: “I’d be in jail.”

This video was only turned over by Bloomfield police after Jeter’s attorney filed a request for records; at the time prosecutors were insistent that Jeter do prison time.

“The first plea was 5 years,” said Jeter.

Sarah: “Your hands are up.” 

Jeter: “My hands are up.” 

Jeter: “As soon as they opened the door, one officer reached in an punched me in my face.” He adds, “As he’s trying to take off my seatbelt, I’m thinking something is going to go wrong…”

Read more

Like this post?
Donate bitcoins: 35DBUbbAQHTqbDaAc5mAaN6BqwA2AxuE7G


Follow me on Twitter.