ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The trial of a former APD officer got underway Monday with opening statements from both the prosecution and the defense.

Officer Kenneth Skeens lost his job in 2022 after arresting a man suspected of shoplifting at a local Target.

According to APD, they fired Skeens because of his abusive and unlawful behavior. They added he had no reason to arrest the man.

The alleged victim was the first witness on the stand.

Skeens faces multiple charges, including false imprisonment and filing a false police report.

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• Former APD officer faces charges over ‘unlawful arrest’