Yeah, but he feels real bad about it. Isn't that enough punishment?
Must be nice to be able to commit felonies, yet get off with 3-years probation.
I wonder if the cops and DA in TN would be as easy on ordinary citizens? (</rhetorical>)
See: False Reports in Tennessee:
A person can be prosecuted for false reports under three different theories under Tennessee law. In Tennessee, it is unlawful for any person to:
• Initiate a report or statement to a law enforcement officer concerning an offense or incident within the officer's concern knowing that: 1) the offense or incident reported did not occur; 2) the person has no information relating to the offense or incident reported; or 3) the information relating to the offense reported is false; or
• Make a report or statement in response to a legitimate inquiry by a law enforcement officer concerning a material fact about an offense or incident within the officer's concern, knowing that the report or statement is false and with the intent to obstruct or hinder the officer from: 1) preventing the offense or incident from occurring or continuing to occur; or 2) apprehending or locating another person suspected of committing an offense; or
• Intentionally initiate or circulate a report of a past, present, or impending bombing, fire or other emergency, knowing that the report is false or baseless and knowing: 1) it will cause action of any sort by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with those emergencies; 2) it will place a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury; or 3) it will prevent or interrupt the occupation of any building, place of assembly, form of conveyance, or any other place to which the public has access. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-502 (2008).
The penalties for false reports in Tennessee are substantial. A violation under the first two bullets above is a Class D felony. A violation of the last bullet above is a Class C felony.
See: Tennessee Charges for Crimes by Felony Class:
Class D Felony - Not less than two (2) years nor more than twelve (12) years in prison. In addition, the jury may assess a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), unless otherwise provided by statute
Tennessee has a serious problem with its cops, here is a site that tracks the news reports from around the state on police misconduct, and criminal cops.
http://whentennesseepigsfly.blogspot.com/
He lost his gun, job and his career. He will carry that felony conviction to his grave. No sense having the taxpayers pick up the tab for prison.