Two Natchez Police go to trial for beating two brothers

NATCHEZ, MS (AP) – Two Natchez Police Officers will go to trial Tuesday on federal civil rights charges for the beatings of two brothers. Officer Elvis Prater, who allegedly arrested and assaulted the brothers, is charged with deprivation of rights under color of law and lying to the FBI. Officer Dewayne Johnson, who allegedly watched one of the assaults and did nothing to stop it, faces the same charges. He is also charged with conspiracy to commit identity theft, credit card fraud and bank fraud for allegedly taking one of the victim’s credit and debit cards. Both officers have pleaded not guilty and have been suspended from the police department without pay pending the outcome of the tria