Summary:
- Former Minneapolis police officer To Tao has been sentenced to four years and nine months in prison for aiding and abetting second degree manslaughter in the George Floyd case.
- Tao's actions of holding back bystanders were deemed unreasonable, and the judge emphasized his duty to prevent excessive force and provide medical aid.
- The sentence exceeded state guidelines, possibly to send a message to other officers about intervening in cases of excessive force.
- Tao will serve approximately three years and two months in prison and the remaining 19 months on parole.
- Other officers involved in the case are also opting for concurrent federal prison sentences for safety and amenities.
The last former Minneapolis police officer involved in the killing of George Floyd, To Tao, has been sentenced to four years and nine months in prison. He was found guilty in May of aiding and abetting second degree manslaughter.
Tao testified that he only served as a human traffic cone when he held back bystanders who gathered at the scene. A judge said that his actions were quote unreasonable and he was under duty to stop the officers from using excessive force and trained to provide medical aid. This sentence was longer than the four years recommended under Minnesota state guidelines. The judge's intention seems to be sending a message to other officers about their duty to intervene when fellow officers use excessive force. Tao will serve two-thirds of his 57-month sentence, approximately three years and two months, and the remaining 19 months will be on parole for the state charge. Other officers involved are also seeking to serve their sentences concurrently in federal prison for personal safety and better amenities.
Former police officers involved in the George Floyd case are seeking concurrent sentences in federal prison for better amenities and safety reasons.