DA Statement on Dages Not Guilty Verdict

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today announced that a jury has found former La Mesa police officer Matthew Dages, 30, not guilty of one felony count of filing a false police report.

On May 27, 2020, Dages confronted, detained, and arrested Amaurie Johnson, 24, near a trolley station last year, an incident that sparked protests in the city. The La Mesa Police Department did not forward the case against Amaurie Johnson to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution, but did request the District Attorney’s Office review a case against Matthew Dages.

Several law enforcement officers testified that dishonesty in police reports can never be tolerated in our judicial system.

District Attorney Summer Stephan released the following statement:

“I want to thank the jury for their time and consideration of this case. While I respect the jury’s verdict, I remain proud that my team courageously fought for justice without prejudice against or favor towards anyone. The integrity of our criminal justice system depends on police officers filing truthful police reports and our thorough review of the facts and evidence led us to bring the charge and present the case to the jury. The community can take comfort in knowing that the vast majority of police officers in our county serve with honor and uphold the law while doing the difficult job of keeping our communities safe.”