The Federal Government announced on Monday, March 18th, 2013 that they would retry Fresno police officers Christopher Coleman, Paul Van Dalen , Sean Plymale and Michael Manfredi for a second time following a hung-jury mistrial from a month before. Following a 5 week trial, the jury was deadlocked 9 jurors for acquittal, 3 for conviction for each officer. The officers and their lawyers were surprised at the government’s decision considering the fact that 9 jurors wanted an acquittal of all officers on all counts. More importantly, the 9 jurors had very strong opinions in this regard. In post trial interviews the 9 jurors expressed emotions ranging from concern to disgust that the officers were prosecuted in the first place. Notwithstanding, the federal government decided to retry the case.
All officers are extremely disappointed. The first trial was a very taxing, very expensive proposition for all involved. Now the officers face the daunting prospect of having to go through it all again.
