LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The U.S. Department of Justice is asking a federal appeals court to release former Louisville Metro Police officer Brett Hankison from prison.
Hankison reported to a federal prison in New Jersey on Oct. 9 where he is currently serving a 33-month sentence.
In court documents filed Thursday, Robert Keenan argues 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.
In the court filing, Keenan noted the appeal could result in a reversal, a new trial or a reduced sentence. He said Hankison is not a flight risk or a danger to the community.
Keenan is the same attorney who argued Hankison should serve just one day in federal prison — already served when he was booked — and a three-year term of supervision, a request Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings rejected.
In November 2024, a federal jury found Hankison guilty of violating 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.
Hankison is serving his sentence at the Fort Dix prison in New Jersey. His attorneys wanted the report date delayed while they appealed the conviction to a higher court, but that was denied by a federal judge.Â
Last month, 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:
Breonna Taylor's neighbors reach settlement in civil case against former LMPD officer
Former LMPD detective Brett Hankison in custody at federal prison for role in Breonna Taylor raid
Federal judge denies Brett Hankison's bid to delay reporting to prison in Breonna Taylor case
Judge criticizes Brett Hankison attorneys, denies new trial in Breonna Taylor case
Jury finds LMPD detective Brett Hankison guilty of violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights
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