Aug. 1, 2003 – On the basis of a grand jury indictment, federal authorities have arrested a St. Thomas police officer and charged him with making false statements about the use of a firearm during an incident nearly two years ago.
Aaron Krigger was indicted on four counts of making false statements and misrepresentations in violation of federal law.
According to U.S. Attorney David Nissman, the charges resulted from an investigation carried out by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives into an incident that took place on Aug. 25, 2001.
Krigger allegedly claimed that "only one shot was discharged at a white Mitsubishi Galant," when in fact "there were at least three shots discharged, and the vehicle was struck," Nissman stated.
The incident involved two unidentified men and members of the Violent Crime Task Force, made up of Police Department, Narcotics Strike Force and Planning and Natural Resources Department personnel.
"The criminal justice system relies on witnesses to tell the truth," Nissman said. "When that does not occur, injustice does. This is particularly troubling when a law-enforcement official is not forthright. It is unfortunate when a law-enforcement officer violates his sacred oath to uphold the law and becomes a lawbreaker."
However, Nissman noted that the indictment does not mean Krigger is guilty, and that he is presumed innocent until the case is decided in court.
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