Minneapolis: Derek Chauvin Sentenced To 22.5 Years for George Floyd’s Death, Still Faces Federal Charges

Judge Peter Cahill sentenced former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin to 22.5 years in prison after he was found guilty on all three counts of murder and manslaughter. Because all of his charges stem from one illegal act, Chauvin was sentenced for the most serious charge of second-degree murder. The sentence is greater by 10 years than the 12.5 years “recommended” sentence for a second-degree murder conviction. The judge dismissed evidence showing BLM activist Brandon Mitchell lied about his background in order to get on the jury.

Attorney General Merrick Garland had a secret plan to arrest Chauvin on the spot if Chauvin was found not guilty and hit him with federal police brutality charges in a blatant act of double jeopardy. The plan was confirmed last month when Garland indicted Chauvin on federal hate crimes and unreasonable force charges.

Judge Cahill handed down a sentence of 270 months – 22.5 years – to Chauvin, with a credit for 199 days of time already served.

The sentence is greater by 10 years than the 150-month (12.5 years) “recommended” sentence (represented by the average sentence for a second-degree murder conviction, the most senior of Chauvin’s charges).

Before handing down the sentence the judge delivered a brief statement, insisting that his decision wasn’t based on public opinion, the sentence is not based on emotion or sympathy, but at the same time, I want to acknowledge the deep and tremendous pain that all the families are feeling especially the Floyd family…I acknowledge the pain not only of those in this court room but Floyd family members outside this courtroom…most importantly we need to recognize the pain if the Floyd family.”

The sentence, the judge said, is based on “your abuse of position and cruelty to George Floyd.” Prosecutors had asked the judge to hand down a 30 year sentence.

Excerpt of Chauvin’s mother’s testimony:

Earlier in the hearing, Chauvin’s mother, Carolyn Pawlenty shared a brief statement defending Chauvin’s character and rebutting criticisms that he was a ruthless racist. “My son is a good man,” she said.

“When you sentence my son, you will also be sentencing me. I will not be able to see Derek, talk to him on the phone, or give him our special hug. When he is released, his father and I most likely will not be here,” his mother said. “Derek, my happiest moment is when I gave birth to you, and my second is when I was honored to pin your police badge on you…Derek I want you to know that I have always believed in your innocence and I will never waiver from that.”

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