From cops to convicts.
A federal jury has found two East Haven police officers guilty of violating the civil rights of Latinos.
Dennis Spaulding and David Cari were found guilty of conspiracy against civil rights, deprivation of rights for making arrests without probable cause, and obstruction of justice for writing a false police report.
The case has divided the shoreline community for more than four years since a civil rights investigation began after Latinos and Latino business owners had been complaining of police harassment.
Monday some Latinos and their supporters agreed with the verdict but said it’s a sad day.
With this verdict some say a message has been sent that the police department needs to improve its actions and attitude.
Rev. James Manship of St. Rose of Lima Church helped lead the charge against the police officers, and he hopes for more than just changes in rules and regulations.
“It’s not just about policies and procedures and what people do. It’s about a change of heart,” he said.