Attorneys React To Ex-Judge's Sentencing in Co

A former Murray County magistrate judge was sentenced to five years in federal prison Wednesday by U.S. District Court Judge Harold Murphy.

It took about an hour for the judge to hear both sides for and against how long Bryant Cochran should serve time, and the woman he framed spoke her mind to the court. Angela Garmley's attorneys said she can finally find peace following a three-year-long case.

"To be representing a client, who then is targeted by law enforcement and then a judicial officer, is a feeling I hope to never have again in my career," said McCracken Poston, one of Garmley's attorneys.
Garmley was framed in 2012 when Cochran had meth planted in her car, ending in her false arrest.

"Do not feel sorry or have any sympathy for Judge Cochran. He did it. He is corrupt. He is a corrupt Judge. and he besmirches the image of the court," said Stuart James, one of Garmley's attorneys. "For Judge Murphy, whom I've known for years, to make the comments that he made today is telling for the public."

Garmley read a statement in the Rome, Georgia, federal court, and she said Cochran took advantage of her asking for sexual favors when she went to him with a legal issue.

"I don't know too many corrupt judges, and I hope I never meet them," said James. "But now judges have to understand that they have a standard to live up to."

Cochran was found guilty of conspiracy, civil rights and tampering crimes last year, and sentenced Wednesday to five years in federal prison, plus 100 hours of community service and three years of supervised release.

"The judge went below the advisory sentencing guideline range, so in other words he thought the sentencing guidelines were too high in this case. I thought that was a good sign," said Page Pate, Cochran's defense attorney. "Obviously, we disagree with the verdict but the sentencing in this circumstance was fair and about what we expected."

The federal prosecutor said it sets an example.

"I think the ultimate takeaway is that justice was served, and everyone who violated the civil rights of the citizens of Murray County has been brought to justice," said Jeffrey Davis, a federal prosecutor.

Cochran's defense attorney Page Pate says he plans to file an appeal to the sentencing in the next two weeks.

Cochran will do his time at a federal facility in Pensacola, Florida. The Bureau of Prisons will contact him with a date to report, and until then he remains out on bail.

By Briona Arradondo

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