HOUSTON, Texas – Shortly after former Houston Police Department narcotics officer Gerald Goines was sentenced to 60 years in prison by a jury of his peers, we heard from Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg.
“This verdict has shown us that police corruption will not be tolerated, and no one is above the law,” Ogg said while standing near the families of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas.
Goines, who was found guilty of two counts of felony murder for his involvement in the 2019 Harding Street raid that led to the deaths of Tuttle, Nicholas, and their dog was sentenced shortly after noon Tuesday.
Ogg, who appeared briefly several times throughout Goines’ trial, thanked the Texas Rangers, the HPD, and her office for helping bring justice to Tuttle and Nicholas.
“It is the most important verdict in the Harris County district. No officer has ever been convicted of murder in Harris County until now,” Ogg said.
The 2019 raid, which was based on falsified information from Goines, was a key point in the investigation that exposed corruption within HPD’s narcotics division, known as Squad 15.
“Gerald Goines has been a stain on the reputation of every honest cop in our community,” she said, comparing Goines’ actions to the movie Training Day.
Ryan Tuttle, the son of Dennis Tuttle, shared his thoughts after the sentencing as well.
“It’s been five and a half years of waiting with a heavy burden,” he said, referring to the false accusations that his father and stepmother, Nicholas, were involved in drugs and dealing.
Tuttle expressed relief that his family’s name had been cleared.
“We all commend the good officers who do their jobs honorably,” he said.
While speaking, Ogg said she wanted to emphasize the broader impact of this verdict.
“This is a great day for the honest cops and prosecutors who work in this system every day. The people of Harris County have spoken, and they have set the bar very high for corrupt cops,” she said.
As the investigation into Squad 15 continues, Ogg said that the other officers involved could still face justice.
“If you were wrongfully convicted, come forward. Lawyers can be appointed. This is the cost of corruption.”
Missed a day or two? Get caught up with our daily coverage of the trial:
Day 10: Prosecution and defense rest in Harding Street murder trial
Day 9: Defense begins presenting case in Gerald Goines murder trial
Day 8: Autopsy photos shown in Goines trial for deadly Harding St. raid
Day 7: Jurors hear from Texas Ranger who investigated deadly Harding St. raid
Day 6: HPD detective says no evidence Gerald Goines fired firearm during deadly Harding St. raid
Day 5: Defense questions thoroughness of Harding St. home search after deadly raid
Day 4: Gerald Goines’ former HPD partner, Steven Bryant, drops bombshell during emotional testimony
Day 2 of Gerald Goines murder trial: State drilling down on initial 911 call that got things going
Day 1: Ex-HPD narcotics officer’s lies led to deadly Harding Street raid, prosecutors argue