Judge denies halting excessive force trial of ex-Gwinnett cop

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Judge Warren Davis has denied motions for continuance in the trial of a former Gwinnett County police officer accused of excessive force in 2017.

The trial will move forward.

Davis had previously given prosecutors a deadline to locate a mental health screening or prove such a report never existed for Demetrius Hollins.

Defense attorney Walt Britt, who represents Robert McDonald, moved for a continuance, which could have led to a mistrial, according to Atlanta lawyer Esther Panitch, who was in the Gwinnett courtroom Monday morning.

“If the mental health of the defendant is an issue in the case, and the state did not turn over a report containing mental health screening, it would be a discovery violation,” Panitch said. “The defense is entitled to see it. He has a right to hire his own expert.”

The issue was raised during testimony by former Gwinnett PD nurse Tammy Largacci, who treated the wounds sustained by Hollins in the beating. She testified everyone booked into the Gwinnett jail are given the screening.

McDonald, charged with aggravated assault, robbery and violation of oath of office, faces a maximum 26 years in prison. His former supervisor and mentor, Michael Bongiovanni, was expected to take the stand Monday as a state witness.

McDonald would’ve never been involved in Hollins’ arrest had Bongiovanni not called for back-up. By the time McDonald arrived, the senior officer had punched and tased Hollins.

Bongiovanni agreed to testify against McDonald in exchange for no prison time.

This report was written by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution was used in this report.

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