K-9 handler Stephanie Mohr served 10 years in prison after being convicted of violating a man's civil rights. She was pardoned this week by President Trump. (Photo: Twitter)
President Donald Trump has pardoned a former Maryland police officer who served 10 years in prison on a federal civil rights charge.
In 1995 Officer Stephanie Mohr was a K-9 handler with the Prince George's County Police Department. She responded to a breaking and entering call with other officers.
A suspect at the scene was bitten by Mohr's K-9 Valk. He received 10 stitches from the bite.
Years later a series of articles in the Washington Post alleging police brutality at the Prince George's County PD triggered an FBI investigation into the dog bite incident, Mohr was indicted and tried.
In 2001 she was convicted of violating the suspect's civil rights and sentenced to 10 years.
Despite numerous appeals and applications for commutation, Mohr served the full sentence.
In a statement announcing the pardon, the White House wrote that "Officer Mohr was a highly commended member of the police force prior to her prosecution."
"Today’s action recognizes that service and the lengthy term that Ms. Mohr served in prison," the White House said, noting that her clemency is supported by the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund and the Fraternal Order of Police.
In an interview on "Fox & Friends," Mohr said Thursday that the 25-year-long saga had been "very, very difficult" and that the government had "punished" her for doing her job. "There was definitely an agenda of the times and I was made a scapegoat," she said.
Mohr called the Justice Department "overreaching and a bit overzealous" but noted the president's decision "restores [her] faith a bit in the justice system."
She said getting the call on Wednesday night was one of the greatest moments of her life.""It's one of the best Christmas gifts I could have ever hoped for."
