Lawyers for ex-cop Gerald Goines ask judge to drop indictments

HOUSTON. Lawyers for former Houston cop Gerald Goines asked a judge to overturn his indictments on Thursday, calling them “inferior.”

Goines faces murder charges along with a number of other local and federal charges in connection with a scheme to steal overtime from HPD employees.

This came to light after the 2019 Harding Street raid that killed Dennis Tuttle and Rogena Nicholas. They were shot during a failed raid on trumped-up charges. Goines and four other officers were also shot but survived.

CONNECTED: More coverage of the Gerald Goines cases

A massive investigation revealed that dozens of defendants were sent to jail on drug charges based on what prosecutors called “lies” by the “dirty cops.”

Goines and five other officers were charged with 15 felonies. He also faces federal organized crime charges.

“We believe that some very important parts of the law are missing from these allegations that would give us the opportunity to properly respond in court,” Goines’ lawyer said after the hearing. “The bottom line is that we have the right to know exactly what we are dealing with from the point of view of the prosecution, so that we can fight a fair fight in court.”

The judge said he would make a decision on Tuesday. Another hearing is then scheduled to consider additional motions for a change of venue and prosecutorial misconduct.

After the hearing, Goines made his first public comment since it all began.

“I just appreciate everything the court does and I appreciate all the prayers,” Goines said.

The district attorney’s office had to reopen hundreds of cases involving Goines, and many charges were dropped.

The most recent case involved Frederick Jeffery, who was sentenced to 25 years after being convicted in 2018 on drug charges. Jeffrey was released on bail last July.

“It’s nice because I knew from the very beginning that I was innocent,” Jeffrey said seconds after he got out of prison. “I just had to prove it. God has done everything for me. I did nothing but stay downstairs. ready.

District Attorney Harris Kim Ogg said at the time that Jeffrey’s conviction should be overturned “due to perjury and false evidence” presented by Goines.

Last November, a judge declared him “virtually innocent” and apologized for the five-plus years Jeffrey spent behind bars.