Atlanta
(2009-11-03)
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These women join in demonstations Sunday outside of the Atlanta Eagle, a Midtown gay bar raided by police Sept. 10th.
Photo by David Marshall for WABE.
It only took seconds for Atlanta Municipal Judge Crystal Gaines to set a trial date for the eight Atlanta Eagle employees:
"It is my understanding that we are agreed to Feb. 4th, 2010."
The February trial is the latest in a string of events resulting from the September 10th raid.
Atlanta police acted on two anonymous tips alleging drug use and sexual activity at the bar. Officers conducted surveillance on several occasions before storming the bar.
More than 20 officers, including APD's "REDDOG" drug unit, were involved. No drugs were found, and no one was arrested for illegal sexual activity. Eight employees are charged with code violations.
"Either they're going to drop the chargers or we're going to trial."
That's Alan Begner, the attorney representing the Eagle employees.
"I will say again, what we did does not violate the law. I'm not asking for a favor from the city."
Begner says his clients won't back down. Apparently, neither will the city--a choice Begner speculates comes from high up.
"The decision may have come from the mayor; it could've come from the Chief of Police. It could've come elsewhere. But I think wherever it came from, I think the decision on whether the charges should be dropped come from the same place."
Calls to the Mayor's office were not returned by deadline.
Meanwhile, The Eagle's co-owner, Richard Ramey, says he's disappointed that the attention remains on the alleged code violations and not on what he call improper police action. Officers detained and searched more than 60 patrons. Some have filed complaints with APD that officers used excessive force and homophobic language.
"Gay, straight, makes no difference. This is about the whole civil rights of human beings, not just people at a gay bar."
Another attorney, Dan Grossman, is handling a potential suit against the City of Atlanta based on the alleged civil rights violations. He says ultimately, his clients want police accountability.
"A good start would be simply to admit they broke the law, to admit their wrongdoing, to acknowledge what they did was illegal and to apologize that would certainly be a heck of a good start."
APD Chief Richard Pennington has apologized for certain aspects of the raid, although he's stopped short of admitting any wrongdoing. Police continue an internal investigation.
Jim Burress, WABE News.
© Copyright 2009, WABE
