Verdict In Greg Cody Trial: Guilty

Update: Friday June 21st, 7 P.M. the Gregory Cody trial has come to an end.

A jury has reached a verdict and has found the former Lincoln police officer guilty on first degree sexual assault charges.

The jury began deliberating late Thursday afternoon. Background on this story can be found below

After the trial concluded, Lincoln Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister released the following statement: 

On June 21st, 2019, a Lancaster County jury rendered its verdict in the 1st Degree Sexual Assault trial of
Gregory Cody.

The Lincoln Police Department does not tolerate employee conduct that violates our General Orders,
Code of Ethics, and in general, our philosophy of policing in partnership with the public.

From the moment that the Lincoln Police Department became aware of the criminal allegations against
Gregory Cody, we fully cooperated with the Nebraska State Patrol’s investigation and the criminal justice
process. In addition, LPD immediately placed then-Officer Cody on investigative suspension and
initiated an internal investigation. Cody resigned two days later, but LPD continued its internal
processes. The Lincoln Police Department’s internal investigation found that Cody had violated LPD’s
policies and Code of Ethics, as well as failed to protect a vulnerable member of our community.

The Lincoln Police Department provided numerous updates to the public about its internal investigation
in 2017 and 2018. Moreover, LPD also solicited input from community leaders in Lincoln. We analyzed
our vetting practices, including the background investigation process, psychological exam, and polygraph.
In response to the investigative findings, LPD enhanced supervisory oversight, modified its General
Orders, and re-affirmed expectations with personnel about ethical and professional conduct in every
aspect of their duties and responsibilities. LPD also mandated training for all personnel concerning
ethical interactions with those we serve, as well as expanded future ongoing education.

The actions of one person do not define the cornerstones of our department’s culture, namely, dedicated
public service, community partnerships, and fair and impartial policing.

Chief Jeff Bliemeister

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Gregory Cody trial is nearing its end.

He’s accused of assaulting a woman he met while on a 9-1-1 call.

The former Lincoln police officer Gregory Cody was the final witness to take the stand on Thursday.

He says the relationship with his accuser, whom he met on a call, began as a way to let her blow off steam.

“Early on, it was strictly like a counseling, talking to her, helping her vent,” said Cody.

Cody testified that the relationship eventually did become physical, but the number of sex acts is a disputed piece of information.

Cody’s accuser has said that over 50 separate sex acts occurred, most of which while he was on duty as an officer.

Cody says that number is significantly lower, and he says none of them happened while he was enforcing the law.

“I searched my mind last night after the cross examination and I did not remember two other times. I only had sex with her, or a sexual act with her, three time,” said Cody.

Cody and his accuser met at the Holmes lake park back in 2017.

She had had previous run ins with the law for suicidal behavior and depression.

Cody’s accuser alleges at one point, he put his hands around her neck, choking her and causing several bruises.

Photographic evidence taken by the Nebraska State Patrol appeared to back up her claims.

Cody has said he was experiencing side effects from a new medication.

Cody’s attorney John Ball has consistently said that the alleged relationship was between two consenting adults.

He previously pressed Cody’s accuser on why she continued to see Cody after the alleged abuse started.

Cody has maintained that he was not aggressive with her.

If convicted, Cody faces up to 50 years in prison.

Closing arguments finished up Thursday afternoon.

The jury must now decide if Cody is guilty or innocent of 1st degree sexual assault.

We will update you on the latest developments with this story.