Rochester, N.Y. - Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley is criticizing a judge's ruling that questioned the testimony of a Rochester Police Officer.
"I almost think it's reckless and irresponsible without evidence in the record, to call this officer a liar," Doorley told Bob Lonsberry Friday during "The Bob Lonsberry Show" on 1180 WHAM radio.
In early August Monroe County Court Judge Doug Randall ruled a search of a home by Officer Ryan Hartley was unconstitutional. His decision also "called into question" Officer Hartley's testimony and credibility multiple times and at one point listed multiple example of evidence and testimony that contradicted that testimony directlty.
All of this was brought to the attention of Rochester Police Chief James Sheppard for the first time on Monday by 13WHAM News. Late Friday afternoon both Chief Sheppard and D.A. Doorley broke their silence on the matter and addressed some local media outlets.
"The Rochester Police Department (RPD) is thankful for the support and confidence in our officers expressed today by Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley," a statement from Chief Sheppard read. "Her review of the evidence and testimony in People v. McNair is but one step in the careful review process that is underway by our department."
"After a thorough review of all transcripts and other evidence received at the suppression hearing, it is the conclusion of the District Attorney’s Office that the sworn testimony offered by Officer Hartley in no way violates the law nor does it warrant any further action on the part of this Office," a statement from D.A. Doorley's Office read.
D.A. Sandra Doorley's Office maintains an "immediate review" of the case was triggered following Judge Randall's decision but her office has not explained why, to the best of anyone's knowledge, no member of the Rochester Police Department was notified during that review process.
In her statement to the media D.A. Doorley fired back at Judge Randall, who began his first term on the bench in January after a long career as a prosecutor.
"It is the opinion of the District Attorney that Officer Hartley’s testimony was in fact an honest and accurate reporting of the events of March 14, 2012 from his perspective. Indeed, after reviewing the transcript of the hearing in its entirety, it is truly regrettable that Officer Hartley’s integrity or honesty was called into question regarding this matter," Doorley's statement read. "In conclusion, the District Attorney’s Office would like to express its continued confidence in the work performed by the Rochester Police Department and in the integrity of its officers, including Officer Hartley, who serve this community with distinction each day."
13WHAM News will continue to follow any relevant developments in this matter and provide more detailed information as it becomes available.
