Jacksonville Sheriff Opposes $200K Settlement in Fatal Police Shooting
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has expressed its opposition to a $200,000 settlement in a lawsuit concerning a fatal police shooting. Sheriff T.K. Waters stated that the payment to Jamee Johnson’s family was made without his knowledge or consent. Johnson, 22, was shot and killed by a police officer during a traffic stop in 2019.
The incident occurred when Johnson was pulled over, and the officer claimed to have smelled marijuana in his vehicle. During the stop, the officer asked Johnson if there was anything he needed to know, to which Johnson admitted to having a gun. A struggle ensued as Johnson hit the gas pedal, resulting in the officer shooting him. Johnson later succumbed to his injuries.
The settlement agreement between the City of Jacksonville and Johnson’s family was reached in August, and the case was officially dismissed on Monday. However, Sheriff Waters has voiced his disagreement with the settlement, stating that he would have preferred the case to be brought before a jury rather than settling out of court. The sheriff emphasized that the State Attorney’s Office had previously determined that the officer’s use of force was lawful and justified.
Waters expressed his disappointment in not being consulted or informed about the settlement by the agency’s attorneys or City Risk Management. He believes that the officer’s actions were legally permissible in defense of his own life. Despite his disagreement, the sheriff acknowledges that the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is bound by the settlement agreement.
Action News Jax reporter Meghan Moriarty has reached out to the city to inquire whether the Sheriff’s Office was consulted during the settlement process. Additionally, she will provide further details regarding the officer’s involvement in recent cases in Jacksonville during the 5 o’clock news broadcast.
In conclusion, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office opposes the $200,000 settlement in the fatal police shooting of Jamee Johnson. Despite the State Attorney’s previous determination of lawful and justified use of force by the officer involved, Sheriff Waters believes the case should have gone to a jury instead of being settled. The sheriff expresses disappointment in not being consulted or notified about the settlement.
