Local News

Cops Acquitted, But Case Could Go On For Years

Officers May Face Civil Lawsuits, Federal Charges

NEW YORK (CBS) ― While the criminal trial is over in the shooting death of Sean Bell, the fallout from the shooting has yet to touch the ground. More lawsuits are expected and the three acquitted detectives could face departmental charges and disciplinary action.

Shortly after the verdict was read, Rev. Al Sharpton made it clear: Sean Bell's family intends to keep fighting.

"We intend to pursue this case with all deliberate speed and determination. This verdict is one round down, but the fight is far from over," he said during his radio show Friday.

The Bell family along with the two survivors in the shooting, Trent Benefield and Joseph Guzman, will likely file civil lawsuits against the detectives and the city. To win, they'd need to prove the officers were negligent and the city liable.

While Justice Arthur Cooperman cleared the officers today of any criminal wrongdoing, in his verdict statement, he did say that "Questions of carelessness and incompetence must be left to other forums."

The District Attorney can not appeal the case, but the Justice Department can pursue federal charges.

"The question is maybe if the feds will charge, they technically could, based on what's called a dual sovereignty doctrine," said Professor Jim Cohen of Fordham Law School "But I predict they will not."

The Justice Department says it will review the case and "following the review of all the evidence, will take appropriate action if the evidence indicates a prosecutable violation of federal criminal civil rights statutes."

The officers could also face departmental charges.

"We've been asked by the U.S. attorney to hold up any disciplinary proceedings until they make a determination on whether or not they will be involved in this matter," said NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly.

Legal experts say the case could go on for years.

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