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Two Atlanta Residents Convicted of Making False Statements Against Deputies
Two Atlanta residents have been sentenced to probation and jail time after a Houston County jury found them guilty of making false statements against sheriff’s deputies during a traffic stop last year.
Juana Shantail Ash, 42, and her son Omar Knite Wright, 22, were convicted following a two-day trial in Houston County Superior Court. Both received sentences of three years probation and 48 hours in the county jail. Wright faced an additional conviction for misdemeanor obstruction of officers.
According to the Houston County District Attorney’s Office, the case stemmed from a March 8, 2025, incident on Interstate 75 when deputies stopped a Chevrolet truck in which Wright was a passenger. During the traffic stop, Wright reportedly refused to follow deputies’ commands to exit the vehicle after other occupants had already complied.
The situation escalated when Wright initiated a struggle from the passenger seat adjacent to moving traffic on the interstate. Due to safety concerns, deputies deployed a Taser to gain compliance. Throughout the encounter, Wright was on a FaceTime call with his mother. After being examined by emergency medical services at the scene, Wright was taken into custody and transported to the Houston County jail.
Four days later, on March 12, Ash filed a formal complaint with Major Chambers of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. In their official statements, both Ash and Wright alleged that deputies had violently struck the vehicle’s window with a weapon, used profanity, and drawn their weapons ready to fire. They further claimed that Wright was repeatedly tased while handcuffed and unconscious, and that deputies refused medical assistance.
These allegations, however, were refuted by body camera and dashboard camera footage that captured the entire interaction. According to the district attorney’s office, the review of this footage revealed that “each of these allegations proved to be wholly false and fabricated.”
Following her complaint, Ash reportedly engaged in what prosecutors described as a “widespread media campaign” propagating these false claims, including characterizing the deputies as “bloodthirsty” in multiple interviews. The pair also allegedly misled the local NAACP chapter into investigating the circumstances surrounding the stop and use of force.
After reviewing the evidence, Major Chambers determined that the accusations against the deputies were untrue, and the case was referred to the district attorney’s office for prosecution.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Greg Winters emphasized the importance of the relationship between the community and law enforcement in Houston County, noting that false allegations harm officers who serve honorably, the community that depends on them, and the trust built between them.
District Attorney Eric Edwards was more pointed in his statement following the verdict: “This case showcases a deliberate attempt to fabricate a narrative and benefit from public outrage. A jury of Houston County citizens reviewed the evidence, including the body camera footage, and unanimously rejected these false allegations.”
Edwards added that false accusations of police brutality cause real harm by endangering officers, inflaming community tensions without basis, and eroding confidence in legitimate claims of misconduct.
“The verdict in this case sends a clear message: Houston County will not tolerate dishonest attempts to vilify our law enforcement officers who are doing their jobs lawfully, and we will hold people accountable when they knowingly lie to advance a false story,” Edwards stated.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities across the country, while underscoring the importance of body camera footage in resolving disputes over police conduct. Law enforcement agencies nationwide have increasingly relied on such technology to provide objective evidence in controversial encounters.
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10 Comments
Interesting case – it’s concerning when people make false claims against law enforcement. I’m glad the truth came out in the end, even if the consequences were serious. Hopefully this serves as a lesson that cooperating with police is the best policy.
I agree. Resisting lawful commands and escalating a traffic stop is never a good idea. The deputies seem to have handled it properly given the safety concerns.
This is a cautionary tale about the consequences of making false claims, especially against law enforcement. While the specifics are unclear, the end result seems appropriate given the guilty verdicts.
An interesting and complicated case. I appreciate the justice system upholding the truth, even if the consequences were severe for the individuals involved. Cooperating with police is always the wisest course of action.
Agreed. The summary suggests the deputies acted appropriately given the escalating situation and safety risks. Falsely accusing them of misconduct is unacceptable.
Troubling to hear about this incident. False statements to police are never acceptable, regardless of the circumstances. I hope this serves as a lesson about the importance of cooperating with lawful orders.
Agreed. Escalating a traffic stop and resisting commands is a risky move that rarely ends well. The deputies appear to have used appropriate force given the safety concerns.
Lying to police is a serious offense and I’m glad the justice system held these individuals accountable. While the details are concerning, it’s good to see the system working as intended.
Yes, the convictions appear justified based on the summary. Falsely accusing officers of misconduct can undermine public trust, so I’m glad the truth came to light.
Hmm, this is a concerning case. While the details are unclear, making false claims against law enforcement is a serious offense. I’m glad the justice system upheld the rule of law in this instance.