Ex-cop convicted for forcing detainee to clean urine from holding cell floor with their tongue.
Michael Christian Green, a former police officer for the Pearl Police Department in Mississippi, was given a maximum sentence for a federal misdemeanor. He admitted to abusing his power and infringing upon a person's civil rights. He's scheduled to start serving his sentence in a federal prison on July 26th.
Green served as a cop at the Pearl Police Department for half a year, following his time at other law enforcement agencies in Jackson. A nearby town also had six white ex-cops, who were given sentences for federal and state charges related to an abhorrent racist attack on two innocent African American men, after pleading guilty. These men had dubbed themselves the "Goon Squad."
While dealing with a disturbance at a Sam's Club, Green arrested a man on December 23, 2023, according to the complaint. Video from the holding cell showed the man attempting to tell Green he needed to use the restroom. When the man got no response, he resorted to urinating in a corner. When informed about the urine, Green insisted the arrestee clean it off with his tongue, threatening to physically harm him with his phone. In the holding cell doorway, Green instructed the man to hit the floor and "suck it up," then capturing it all on video. Green left the department on December 27th.
During his sentencing hearing, Green accepted responsibility for his actions and expressed remorse for them.
CNN reached out to Green's attorney for a statement.
"The City of Pearl, although not the ruling body for this case, is relieved this painful chapter in our recent history can now end," the municipality said. "Green's behavior was disgusting and indefensible. We have deeply mourned any connection to this traumatic event. We hope this sentencing can ease the pain and healing process for the victim and his family, and we appreciate the efforts of our federal partners in ensuring this horrific incident saw swift justice."
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In light of his conviction, Green's actions are a stark reminder of the need for accountability within law enforcement agencies. The incident involving the detainee and urine cleaning is a heavy burden that the City of Pearl has been relieved to see brought to a close.
