Minneapolis Police Officer Acquitted in Corruption Case

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A federal jury has acquitted a Minneapolis police officer on most of the charges that he used excessive force and then tried to cover it up.

Michael Lewis Griffin was accused of assaulting at least four people while off-duty after identifying himself as an officer, then filing false reports.

Minnesota Public Radio News reports the jury Tuesday cleared Griffin on six counts and deadlocked on the remaining three.

The incidents dated back to 2010 and 2011. Prosecutors had portrayed Griffin as a "bully with a badge" in the late-night fights that occurred outside downtown Minneapolis bars.

Defense attorney Robert Richman argued the real bullies were the men who fought with Griffin.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger says his office is reviewing its options on the deadlocked counts.