Sheriff Guilty of Witness-Tampering in Police Brutality Case

Faces up to 20 years on each of two counts

A jury has found Barren County Sheriff Chris Eaton guilty on two counts of witness tampering stemming from the arrest of a suspect who claims he was beaten.  The same jury Thursday night returned not guilty verdicts for two other law enforcement officers.

After eight hours of deliberations, a jury acquitted Eric Guffey on all four counts against him.   Guffey helped subdue suspect Billy Stinnett who led Barren County officers on a dangerous car and foot pursuit on February 24, 2010.  The officers were accused of using excessive force and covering it up to the FBI.  Louisville Attorney Brian Butler represented Guffey and called the accusations against him shameful.  Butler said if anything, his client was a hero that day.