Captain Sterling sat in the witness box wearing his formal dress uniform, his chest adorned with medals. He looked deeply uncomfortable, his eyes darting anywhere but toward Valerie Thompson. "Captain Sterling," Kessler began pacing before the jury box. "You were Officer Jenkins' commanding officer for 5 years. In that time, did you ever know him to be a man who intentionally violated the civil rights of the citizens he swore to protect? " Sterling cleared his throat adjusting his collar.
"No, sir. Bradley was a tough cop. He worked the hard beats. Sometimes things get physical on the street, but I always believed he acted within the bounds of his training. " "The incident with Prosecutor Thompson was a terrible misjudgment, but it was not born of malice. " Kessler nodded turning to the jury to let the lie settle. "A terrible misjudgment.
Thank you, Captain. No further questions. " Rosenberg slowly stood up buttoning his suit jacket. He didn't walk toward the witness box. Instead, he leaned casually against his table, locking eyes with the sweating captain. Captain Sterling.
Rosenberg's voice was smooth, dangerously polite. You just testified under oath that you believed Officer Jenkins always acted within the bounds of his training and that this assault was an isolated misjudgment. Is that correct? Yes, that's my professional opinion, Sterling replied, his voice wavering slightly. I see, Rosenberg said.
He turned to his paralegal and accepted a thick bound folder. The defense has attempted to paint Officer Jenkins as a victim of a stressful job. But let's talk about the culture of the 42nd Precinct, Captain. Let's talk about what you knew and when you knew it. Sterling swallowed hard.
I don't understand the question. Let me clarify, Rosenberg snapped, the politeness vanishing. Your Honor, the state introduces exhibit 42B, a series of internal precinct emails subpoenaed directly from the precinct's encrypted server. Kessler leaped to his feet. Objection.
We have not seen these emails. The defense was provided these in discovery file 809 last night, Your Honor, Rosenberg countered effortlessly. Council's failure to read them is not my problem. Overruled. Proceed, Mr.