LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After a hearing lasting three days to appeal his termination, the Louisville Police Merit Board voted unanimously to uphold the termination of former LMPD detective Joshua Jaynes. Jaynes was fired and accused of lying on a search warrant that was used to justify a raid on Breonna Taylor's home, ultimately leading to her death.
What You Need To Know
- An LMPD merit board upheld the termination of Joshua Jaynes Wednesday
- Jaynes was fired for allegedly lying on a search warrant used to justify a raid on Breonna Taylor's home
- Former LMPD Interim Chief Yvette Gentry testified Tuesday that Jaynes was untruthful when he claimed he verified through a U.S. Postal Inspector that Taylor’s ex-boyfriend was receiving packages at her home
- After the ruling, Jaynes' attorney says he plans to appeal to the circuit court
"I move that the board uphold the decision of the chief of police to terminate Joshua Jaynes," one board member said upon reaching their decision.
Police said Jaynes was not there the night officers shot and killed Breonna Taylor, but he prepared the search warrant for her home. Jaynes has claimed he verified the information through Sgt. Jon Mattingly, who is planning to retire from the department this year.
Former LMPD Interim Chief Yvette Gentry testified Tuesday that Jaynes was untruthful when he claimed he verified through a U.S. Postal Inspector that Taylor’s ex-boyfriend was receiving packages at her home.
After the proceedings, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer released a statement in support of the decision.
"Former Chief Yvette Gentry stepped into service at a very difficult time for our city, and then undertook a thorough and thoughtful review of this case. I supported her decision then, and I support it now. And I appreciate the Merit Board upholding that decision," Fischer said.
Earlier in the day, Jaynes told the board he did his job and he’s not a monster.
"I’ve had people come up to me and ask me just why are you even wanting your job back? Why do you want to bring all that upon yourself and your family? And I’m here today because I believe I didn’t do wrong," Jaynes said.
In closing arguments, Counsel for LMPD said Jaynes' firing was appropriate.
"He was willing to sign an affidavit under oath that the source of that information was the U.S. Postal Inspector even though he didn’t know that. That is untruthful," Brendan Daugherty, attorney for LMPD said.
Mattingly’s attorney had no comment Wednesday. After the ruling, Jaynes' attorney says he plans to appeal to the circuit court.
"The law says under the collective knowledge doctrine that this statement that was in the affidavit which is the basis for his termination was a true statement," Attorney Thomas Clay said.