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Police informant Alexis White and the Rev. Markel Hutchins head to Washington Wednesday to meet with congressional leaders about police use of confidential informants in drug cases. White, the 45-year-old snitch who says he was asked to lie to help Atlanta police narcotics officers cover up a botched drug bust in which an elderly Atlanta woman [Kathryn Johnston] was killed, is not scheduled to testify while in Washington. The day of talks includes scheduled visits with members of the House Judiciary Committee and the subcommittee on crime terrorism and homeland security. They also hope to meet with federal Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Justice officials. Hutchins, who has acted as a spokesman for the elderly woman's family and linked with White last week, said the trip is to encourage national policy changes to improve how police do their jobs and to curb the misuse of informants in the war on drugs. "After these meetings, we hope to walk away with an agenda that will protect citizens civil rights," Hutchins said, before boarding a flight to Washington. Atlanta police officers Gregg Junnier and Jason R. Smith claimed White had bought drugs inside a house as they waited outside. But White said later the story was made up by police so they could get a warrant to enter Kathryn Johnston's home last November. Johnston, who fired once and missed as the officers broke in her door, was shot to death. Federal authorities said the officers then planted bags of marijuana in her basement. Three officers were indicted, and Junnier and Smith have pleaded guilty to killing the 92-year-old Johnston. Federal documents say Atlanta narcotics officers repeatedly lied to judges to obtain search warrants, falsely claimed confidential informants purchased drugs and falsified warrants so they could meet goals set by police brass. Until White began speaking publicly last week, he had been in federal protective custody, hiding in a budget motel for five months. "I'm glad to be going to Washington to make sure something like this never happens again," White said. With his identity exposed, White says he can no longer work as a snitch, which netted him up to $30,000 annually. He has filed a legal notice saying he intends to sue the city over the income loss. |
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We are careful not to duplicate the efforts of other organizations, and as a grassroots coalition of prisoners and social reformers, our resources (time and money) are limited. The vast expertise and scope of the various drug reform organizations will enable you to stay informed on the ever-changing, many-faceted aspects of the movement. Our colleagues in reform also give the latest drug war news. Please check their websites often. |
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