Prattville Police Abuse Trial Ends But No Verdict Yet

• Cops Beat Down Black Woman

It'll be at least two weeks before there's a verdict in the bench trial of  a Prattville police officer accused of using excessive force while arresting a Birmingham woman. Sgt. Dexter Emmanuel is accused by 27-year old Heather   Scarlett. She claims Emmanuel slammed her against the back of the car and pressed her face against the window.  Emmanuel pulled Scarlett over after noticing she had crossed the double yellow line near Wal-Mart. Emmanuel denies being abusive. He and many of his colleagues testified that Scarlett used vulgar language including a racial slur director toward Sgt. Emmanuel. The two week delay in the verdict will give the judge time to consider motions filed by Scarlett's lawyer. [more ]