SPOKANE -- A Federal judge is expected to set a sentencing date for former Spokane Police officer Karl Thompson during a court hearing Friday.
A jury convicted Thompson almost a year ago of using excessive force and then lying about it in the deadly beating of Otto Zhem. Thompson remains free while he awaits sentencing.
On Tuesday, a judge denied Thompson’s request for a new trial.
It is unknown whether the judge will order Thompson to be taken into custody during Friday’s hearing.
Thompson’s attorney Karl Oreskovich said he will appeal the judge’s verdict.
Federal Prosecutors have requested a sentence of six to eight years for Thompson.
The Bureau of Prisons will decide where Thompson will serve his time. Oreskovich said Thompson will likely be kept away from the general public given his law enforcement history.
