Accused Reno cop cleared in criminal investigation

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2000 | 3:37 a.m.

Frank Johnson, a 19-year veteran of the force, was placed on paid leave in September when the criminal investigation began into his treatment of 19-year-old Eric Tijerina in a casino security room.

A surveillance camera recorded the incident, in which Johnson allegedly choked Tijerina and directed racial slurs at him while he was strapped into a chair at the Eldorado Hotel & Casino.

The district attorney's office said on Tuesday that while Johnson's conduct may have been inappropriate, it did not warrant proseuction as a misdemeanor.

Security guards took Tijerina and a juvenile friend into custody Sept 7 after they stole coins from the bottom of a casino fountain. He struggled with the guards trying to strap him into a chair in a holding room until Johnson arrived to take him to jail.

Tijerina pleaded guilty to charges of petty larceny, battery and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

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