A Justice Department trial attorney says a Spokane police officer brutally beat a citizen who posed no threat and disgraced his badge by lying to cover up his actions.

Federal prosecutor Victor Boutros began delivering his opening statement to a jury Thursday morning in the case against Office Karl Thompson.

Thompson is accused of using unreasonable force and lying to investigators in the death of Otto Zehm, a 36-year-old schizophrenic janitor.

Thompson has pleaded not guilty.