LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Former Louisville Metro Police Detective Brett Hankison is getting out of prison while he appeals his conviction, according to documents filed in federal court on Friday.
The order signed by the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals granted a request for bail because it ruled the "case presents substantial questions." It also said Hankison is not a flight risk or a danger to the community.
He will be released on his own recognizance pending his appeal, but the court records did not specify when that could happen.
The U.S. Department of Justice asked the court to release Hankison in a November filing. Attorney Robert Keenan argue for Hankison's release on bond, pending an appeal.
Keenan is an attorney working with the DOJ under President Donald Trump — which has been critical of the handling of Hankison's case by previous prosecutors.
Hankison reported to Fort Dix, a federal prison in New Jersey on Oct. 9, to serve a 33-month sentence.
The order filed Friday said there are multiple special circumstances.
"He is a veteran law enforcement officer whose trial and sentencing were highly publicized," the order said.
It also noted that while in federal custody threats have required Hankison to be moved to special housing.
In November 2024, a federal jury found Hankison guilty of violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights during a March 13, 2020 police raid of her home when he fired 10 shots into her apartment through a sliding glass door and window that were covered by blinds.
The shots nearly hit her and an officer as well, ripping through the wall into a neighboring apartment where a family and a child were sleeping.
The jury found Hankison not guilty of violating the civil rights of Taylor's neighbors.
None of his bullets hit anyone. He's the only officer who was at the scene to be convicted.
In October, Taylor's neighbors at the time she was shot and killed reached a settlement agreement with Hankison in a lawsuit filed in 2020, according to a court order filed Oct. 24. The exact amount of the settlement is unknown, but court documents indicate it wasn't more than $25,000.
This story may be updated.
Previous Coverage:
DOJ asks federal appeals court to release former Louisville officer Brett Hankison from prison
Breonna Taylor's neighbors reach settlement in civil case against former LMPD officer
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