A federal jury has determined the actions of Milwaukee police officers at a snake-filled home 11 years ago were reasonable.
The case was the first jury trial at the federal courthouse in Milwaukee since pandemic restrictions were put in place more than a year ago.
The officers broke into a building on the city’s south side, finding dozens of snakes, crocodiles, turtles and other exotic animals.
Owner Terry Cullen was eventually cleared on criminal charges.
He sued two police officers and the City of Milwaukee for nearly $4.5 million in damages.
He had argued the police destroyed much of his property while executing a search warrant when his assistant had offered to just let the officers in.
