Last year, Baltimore police officer Caesar Goodson, Jr. faced trial on several charges in connection with the arrest and death of Freddie Gray.

Goodson was found not guilty in the criminal case; this week, a police board found him not guilty of all 21 of the administrative charges he faced for violating department policies, according to the Baltimore Sun

Goodson's attorney said his client "is just ready to get on" and that "he’s just happy to resume his life," adding that "this has been hard on him and his family, and it’s nice to get his life back.”

Freddie Gray, of course, can never get his life back, and Goodson's attorney touched on that briefly before pivoting again to celebration.

This is a tragic accident that happened, and we’re sorry for the loss of Mr. Gray, but we’re glad that our client is not going to be the face of this incident,” the lawyer said.

The bulk of the charges against Goodson related to his failure to ensure Gray's safety once he was arrested, as well as his refusal to seek medical attention for Gray after the 25-year-old — who was handcuffed and shackled by his legs without a seatbelt — requested it. Goodson was also accused of giving false statements to officials investigating Gray's death and of willfully failing to properly document the day's events.

Gray suffered severe spinal cord injuries due to the rough ride he was subjected to in the police van. He died a week after his arrest.

Having been cleared by the board, Goodson is now free to resume his work with the Baltimore Police Department (BPD). 

Although Goodson and his lawyers were in a celebratory mood, local activist Lawrence Grandpre found little to be happy about.

Grandpre said the verdict was "nothing unexpected," adding that activists have "been trying to reform these trial boards for three or four years.” One of the reforms Grandpre would like to see would be the addition of normal citizens to the trial boards.

Having officers try officers leads few harsh punishments he said because officers on the boards "are thinking, ‘That could be me.’”

Goodson was one of the six officers involved in the case. None of these officers were convicted on criminal charges.

Two of the officers,  Lieutenant Brian Rice and Sergeant Alicia White are also fighting administrative charges against them. Rice’s administrative trial is scheduled to begin November 13, while White’s is scheduled to begin December 5.

Two other officers, Officer Edward Nero and Officer Garrett Miller faced a trial board already and accepted minor "disciplinary action … to ensure they continue their employment with the Baltimore Police Department so they can support themselves and their families.”