Bishop Paul S. Morton Makes Statement in Response to Sheriff Harry Lee’s Comments

16 year old, Troy Lawrence, son of a minister, A student with no criminal record, said that Jefferson Parish sheriff deputies beat him while he was handcuffed when he was pulled over for speeding. The deputy that struck the teen, hit the 16 year old so hard that he injured his own hand.

The incident happened on Sunday, July 22, 2007 in Metairie, Louisiana (right outside of New Orleans).

In a press conference held by Sheriff Harry Lee on Monday, July 30, 2007, Lee attacked Bishop Paul S. Morton of New Orleans, LA because Morton demanded that the officers be fired!

Bishop Morton's response to the personal attack by the Sheriff is as follows:

“Clearly Sheriff Harry Lee is trying to divert the public’s attention from the serious matter at hand…the alleged unreasonable use of excessive force that Jefferson Parish Police Officers perpetuated upon 16 year old Troy Lawrence. I don’t uphold the victim in this case for speeding at limits that would be considered careless and reckless operation of a vehicle. There are penalties that citizens must pay when they break the law. However, I also don’t uphold the unwarranted extreme physical violence that has been historically and consistently inflicted upon defenseless young black males. These officers should be fully investigated and disciplined for their actions. Unlike Sheriff Harry Lee, I will not engage in personal attacks that deflect from the actions of his officers. These officers didn’t have a right to take the law into their own hands. The injuries that Troy Lawrence sustained during the incident…speak for themselves.”