Why Chapman declined to prosecute Martese Johnson case

The Charlottesville Commonwealth's Attorney explained Wednesday why he decided to drop criminal charges against University of Virginia student Martese Johnson AND why he declined to press charges against the state alcohol agents whose arrest injured him.

Dave Chapman said police watched video and debriefed 15 witnesses, most of whom said the agents either clumsily took Johnson down or simply fell with him.

"These are ordinary guys who are using the rules that they're given, and they've been vilified instantly before people know what the facts are, and the facts are more complex."

Chapman wishes Johnson had not struggled; but regarding intoxication and using a fake ID, this prosecutor was clear.

"He wasn't doing anything wrong. He was innocent."

Chapman says law enforcers need the right to detain, even for minor charges, such as the misdemeanor on a beach in Texas that led authorities to rapist and accused murderer Jesse Matthew. For WCVE News, Hawes Spencer in Charlotesville.

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