Ex-Minneapolis officer sentenced to nearly 5 years for role in George Floyd's death

Tou Thao, the last former Minneapolis police officer convicted in state court for his role in the killing of George Floyd, was sentenced Monday to four years and nine months — even as he denied wrongdoing.

Tou Thao, the last former Minneapolis police officer convicted in state court for his role in the killing of George Floyd, was sentenced Monday to four years and nine months — even as he denied wrongdoing.

Thao had testified he merely served as a "human traffic cone" when he held back concerned bystanders who gathered as former officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, knelt on Floyd's neck for nine-and-a-half minutes while the Black man pleaded for his life on May 25, 2020.

A bystander video captured Floyd's fading cries of "I can't breathe."

At the sentencing hearing, Thao spoke at length about his growth as a Christian during his 340 days behind bars. He said he was "distressed" by Floyd's death but denied any role in it.

"I did not commit these crimes," Thao said. "My conscience is clear. I will not be a Judas nor join a mob in self-preservation or betray my God."

Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill responded that he was hoping "for more than preaching" from Thao. "After three years of reflection, I was hoping for a little more remorse," the judge said.

Thao's lawyer, Robert Paule, said afterward that they will appeal. He declined further comment.