Graysville, TN Lawsuit

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 20
At a glance
Powered by AI
The plaintiff is alleging that police officers from the City of Graysville conducted unreasonable seizures of her person without probable cause and maliciously prosecuted her on two separate occasions. She is also alleging the police chief maliciously prosecuted and falsely arrested her on another occasion. The plaintiff maintains the individual defendants committed these acts as a result of the city's policies, customs, and procedures, and that the acts caused her mental anguish and emotional distress.

The plaintiff alleges that police officers Post and Trew unreasonably seized her without probable cause and maliciously prosecuted her in one incident on an unspecified date. She further alleges Chief Tanksley unreasonably seized her without probable cause and maliciously prosecuted her in another incident on March 31, 2019.

The plaintiff is bringing claims under 42 U.S.C. 1983 and 1988 for violations of her 4th and 14th amendment rights by the individual defendants. She also brings state law claims that appear to include false arrest, malicious prosecution, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE


CHATTANOOGA

KARRY MARIE YEARWOOD, §


§
Plaintiff, § No. ____________________________
§
~v~ § JURY DEMAND
§
CITY OF GRAYSVILLE, §
CHIEF JULIE LYNN TANKSLEY, §
OFFICER KEITH WAYNE POST, and §
OFFICER LANDON TREW, §
In their individual and §
official capacities as agents §
and employees of the City §
of Graysville, §
§
Defendants. §

COMPLAINT

PLAINTIFF, through counsel, for her causes of action will show the Court:

Introduction:

1. This is an action for money damages brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 1983 and

1988 to redress the deprivation of rights secured to the Plaintiff by the Fourth Amendment and

Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, and for violations of the laws of the

State of Tennessee by the Defendants.

2. Plaintiff avers that the individually named Defendants Officer Keith Wayne Post

(“Post”), and Officer Landon Trew (“Trew”), worked in unison to conduct an unreasonable

seizure of Plaintiff’s person without probable cause and to maliciously prosecute Plaintiff in one

event to be further described herein.

~1~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 1 of 20 PageID #: 1


3. Plaintiff avers that the individually named Defendant Chief Julie Lynn Tanksley

(“Tanksley”) conducted an unreasonable seizure of Plaintiff’s person without probable cause and

to maliciously prosecute Plaintiff in another event to be further described herein.

4. Plaintiff also maintains that the individually named defendants committed these

violations and torts as a result of policies, customs, and/or procedures of the City of Graysville

(“City”).

5. In addition, Plaintiff avers that the individual defendants subjected Plaintiff to

mental anguish and emotional distress.

Jurisdiction and Venue:

6. This is an action to redress the deprivation of rights secured to Plaintiff by the

Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution and for violations of

Tennessee common law. Thus, this Court is vested with original jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. §§

1331 and 1343. As to the Plaintiff’s state claims, this Court has jurisdiction over the state claims

pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1357 as they arise from the same case and same controversies.

7. Venue is proper in this Court, Chattanooga Division, pursuant to 28 U.S.C.

§1391(B). All acts complained of occurred within Rhea County, a political sub-division of the

State of Tennessee, and physically located within the fourteen-county district of this Court.

a. Plaintiff is a resident of Rhea County, Tennessee.

b. To the best of Plaintiff’s knowledge, the individual defendants are residents of

Rhea County, Tennessee.

c. The City is a political sub-division of the State of Tennessee.

~2~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 2 of 20 PageID #: 2


The Parties:

8. At all times relevant to this cause of action, Plaintiff was a citizen of the United

States, and a resident of the State of Tennessee.

9. At all times relevant to this cause of action, the City was a political sub-division

of the State of Tennessee organized and existing under the laws of the State of Tennessee.

a. The City finances its police department and provides rules and

regulations for the operation of the police department.

b. The City provides oversight of the hiring, training, supervision, discipline,

and retention of all personnel in its police department.

c. The City is governed by a body known as the Graysville Board of Mayor

and Commissioners. (“Board”).

10. Specifically, and at all times relevant to this cause of action, the City is

responsible for the creation and maintenance of its police department (hereinafter and

alternatively identified as “GPD” or the “department”), which is a law enforcement agency

created under Tennessee state law and regulated by the laws of the State of Tennessee as to:

a. The training and certification of its law enforcement employees.

b. The safe treatment of persons seized and held within the custody of its

individual officers and agents.

c. Creation of rules and regulations to properly identify officers who have a

recurring pattern of misconduct or conduct that would place its

supervisory personnel on notice and the City on notice of officers who are

a threat to citizens within its jurisdiction.

~3~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 3 of 20 PageID #: 3


d. Creation of rules and regulations to properly investigate officers who have

a recurring pattern of misconduct or conduct that would place its

supervisory personnel on notice and the City on notice of officers who are

a threat to citizens within its jurisdiction.

e. And to not hire, retain, re-hire, or promote police officers who have a

recurring pattern of misconduct or conduct that would place its

supervisory personnel on notice and the City on notice of officers who are

a threat to citizens within its jurisdiction.

11. At all times relevant to this cause of action, the individual defendants were

employed by the City and acted under the color of law. In addition, the individual defendants

acted in their official capacities as agents, servants, and employees of the City as defined under

TENN. CODE ANN. § 29-20-102.

12. Plaintiff sues the individual defendants in their individual and official capacities.

13. Plaintiff sues the City in its governmental capacity.

Factual Basis -Individual Defendants Trew and Post:

14. On December 26, 2018, Defendants Trew and Post conducted a traffic stop of a

vehicle operated by Plaintiff’s mother, Debbie Caraway (“Caraway”), and occupied by

Plaintiff’s minor nephew identified as D.N., and Plaintiff’s minor son identified as C.Y.

15. Trew and Post conducted the traffic stop near Plaintiff’s home.

16. Trew and Post arrested D.N. on what Trew and Post claimed was an arrest

warrant.

17. Plaintiff went out to get C.Y. (who was 4 years old) after Caraway called

Plaintiff to come and get C.Y.


~4~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 4 of 20 PageID #: 4


18. Plaintiff and Caraway requested of Post and Trew to show them the warrant.

19. Trew told Plaintiff that he had the warrant, and held up a piece of paper but

refused to show Plaintiff and Caraway the contents of the paper.

20. Plaintiff asked Trew, “were you not pounding on our door two weeks ago about

this?”

21. Without any lawful justification or any probable cause, Trew arrested Plaintiff for

disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

22. Trew placed Plaintiff into Post’s police car, and Post transported Plaintiff to the

Rhea County Jail. At no time did Post intervene to prevent Trew from seizing Plaintiff.

23. On February 5, 2019, Plaintiff appeared before the Hon. Shannon Garrison on the

charges.

24. Plaintiff learned after the February 5, 2019 court date that Trew’s charges had

been subsequently dismissed.

25. Plaintiff also learned from Jana Bice (D.N. juvenile probation officer), that the

paper Post held up was an attachment that was not signed nor approved by any judicial officer or

judge.

Factual Basis -Individual Defendant Tanksley:

26. On March 31, 2019, Plaintiff had an altercation with two individuals (Jennifer

Cisco, (“Cisco”), and Clark Morris (“Morris”)) at the front yard of Plaintiff’s home. Caraway

was present and observed the altercation.

26. Plaintiff went inside her home and called for police to remove Cisco and Morris.

27. Tanksley arrived and told Cisco and Morris to leave, whereupon they left

Plaintiff’s property.
~5~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 5 of 20 PageID #: 5


28. Plaintiff had remained inside her home then entire time before Tanksley arrived

and while Tanksley engaged Cisco and Morris.

29. Once Cisco and Morris departed, Tanksley walked unannounced into Plaintiff’s

home and confronted Plaintiff as Plaintiff was seated on her couch.

30. Tanksley loomed over Plaintiff as Plaintiff remained seated on the couch, and

Tanksley falsely claimed she saw Plaintiff assault Caraway.

31. At this point, Kristy Ball (“Ball”), a friend of Plaintiff, arrived and attempted to

enter Plaintiff’s home upon Plaintiff’s request.

32. Tanksley demanded that Ball state her reason for being at Plaintiff’s home, and

Ball replied that she came over to visit her friend: Plaintiff.

33. Tanksley told Ball to leave, and then turned to Plaintiff and told Plaintiff to not

speak to Ball.

34. Plaintiff asked to speak with Caraway, and Tanksley refused Plaintiff’s request.

35. Plaintiff asked Tanksley why she came into the house, and Tanksley told Plaintiff

that Caraway told her (Tanksley) that Plaintiff assaulted Caraway. Caraway was standing

directly outside the front door, and overheard what Tanksley said to Plaintiff. Caraway told

Tanksley that she never told Tanksley anything of the sort.

36. At no time was Plaintiff outside while Tanksley was present.

37. At no time did Plaintiff assault Caraway, and Caraway never stated to Tanksley

that Plaintiff assaulted Caraway.

38. Without probable cause nor any other lawful justification, Tanksley told Plaintiff

to get dressed and said, “you’re going for a ride to jail.”

~6~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 6 of 20 PageID #: 6


39. Plaintiff was in her pajamas. Plaintiff was enduring a menstrual cycle and wanted

to get cleaned up before traveling to jail.

40. Tanksley then allowed Plaintiff to get into a shower, but Tanksley told Plaintiff

she would watch Plaintiff as Plaintiff showered and get dressed.

41. Tanksley then watched Plaintiff get undressed, watched Plaintiff shower, and

watched Plaintiff place a feminine hygiene product into her underwear as Plaintiff got into

clothes.

42. The entire time, Plaintiff felt humiliated and had no choice but to allow Tanksley

to observe every intimate moment.

43. Tanksley took Plaintiff to the Rhea County Jail and charged her with domestic

assault.

44. On April 12, 2019, the Hon. Shannon Garrison dismissed the charge Tanksley

brought against the Plaintiff.

Factual Basis-City Liability:

45. Based upon Plaintiff’s belief, Post began performing police officer duties for the

City on January 5, 2017 without Tennessee P.O.S.T. certification until sometime in September

2018 after Tanksley took action to get Post Tennessee P.O.S.T. certified by letter to the

Tennessee P.O.S.T. Commission dated June 27, 2018.

46. In a letter dated May 22, 2017 from District Attorney J. Michael Taylor to then

City Mayor Ted Doss, Mr. Taylor stated that his office “will not prosecute any pending or future

cases involving criminal charges wherein Chief Tanksley is either the prosecuting or evidentiary

witness.”

~7~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 7 of 20 PageID #: 7


47. Mr. Taylor cited the fact that the McMinn County (TN) Grand Jury indicted

Tanksley for two counts of Criminal Extortion growing from her official position with the

Calhoun (TN) Police Department.

48. Despite Mr. Taylor’s notice, the City continued and continues to employ Tanksley

as a Chief of Police.

49. The City allowed Post to perform arrest duties despite his lack of Tennessee

P.O.S.T. certification.

50. Prior to the City’s employment of Tanksley, the City (in 2008) employed Jason

Erik Redden (“Redden”) as the police chief.

51. Prior to the City’s employment of Redden as the police chief, Redden worked for

the City of Chattanooga (“Chattanooga”) as a police officer.

52. During his employment with Chattanooga, the Internal Affairs Division (“IAD”)

of the Chattanooga Police Department investigated Redden upon five separate complaints of

misconduct, two of which IAD declared unfounded, and the remaining three determined as

follows:

On 8-9-2004, Redden was alleged to have violated Chattanooga Police


Department policies and was untruthful in an internal affairs investigation. On 9-
15-2004, those charges were sustained and he was suspended for 14 days.

On 9-2-2004, Redden was accused of insubordination and to have violated


another policy. On 1-18-2005, those allegations were sustained and he was
placed on probation.

The last one was dated 5-7-2005, and it was alleged that Redden had behaved in
such a manner as to constitute “conduct unbecoming” and violated the ride along
policy. These disciplinary actions were sustained on 6-1-2005. This is the same
day he resigned and stated “dissatisfaction with job/working conditions.”

~8~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 8 of 20 PageID #: 8


53. Despite what Plaintiff avers was easy to obtain information from Chattanooga as

to Redden’s background, the City hired Redden as the City’s police chief.

54. From 2005 until 2014, Linda Michelle Horton (“Horton”) was the City Recorder

for the City. Part of her duties was to make recommendations to the City authorities regarding

personnel issues.

55. In August of 2013, City Mayor Ted Doss (“Mayor Doss”) reported to Horton that

a Rhea County citizen had lodged a complaint with the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office regarding a

situation in which her vehicle and money had been seized.

56. The citizen claimed and proved that the money seized from her was not appropriate

for forfeiture because it was documented to be inheritance money, as opposed to money used for

unlawful purposes.

57. Mayor Doss asked Horton to look into the situation. Horton conducted an inquiry

and concluded that Redden had committed acts of official misconduct. Horton’s suspicions were

bolstered by an audio recording made by another City officer (Shawn Shelton (“Shelton”)) where

Shelton spoke with Redden about taking action to cover-up his misconduct.

58. As a result of her investigation, Horton suspended Redden.

59. Horton then contacted the Rhea County District Attorney and the Tennessee

Bureau of Investigation, and advised them of her findings as to Redden’s suspicious and

unlawful actions.

60. After Horton suspended Chief Redden, the Board held an executive meeting, during

which they decided to remove Horton’s personnel authority over the police and fire departments

and instead transferred that authority to the Board.

61. The Board then removed Redden’s suspension and returned him as the Chief
~9~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 9 of 20 PageID #: 9


of Police.

62. Afterwards, the City retaliated against Horton. This retaliation, including removal

of Horton’s personnel authority over the police and fire departments, included:

a. Directing Horton to contact District Attorney Mike Taylor and tell him

that she (Horton) was not allowed to talk to his office unless the entire Board was

present for the conversation. As a result, she wrote a letter indicating as such, which

District Attorney Taylor rejected,

b. Terminating Horton’s employment. In her Separation Notice signed by the

Mayor Ted Doss of Graysville, the Mayor indicated that Plaintiff was fired

because, “Majority of Board did not appreciate her turning the Chief of Police in

for his criminal activity.”

63. Shortly after Horton’s termination, the TBI concluded its investigation of Redden

and the Rhea County Grand Jury indicted Redden with ten counts of official misconduct

involving the theft of money (including several counts greater than $1,000 and vehicles)

whereupon he was taken into custody.

64. Members of the Board personally provided the means for Redden to obtain bond

to be released from custody.

65. Given the criminal charges, the Board voted to lay off Redden, to enable him to

draw unemployment. However, several weeks later the Board voted 3-2 to re-hire Redden.

66. Redden eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of official misconduct, and was no

longer employed by the City.

67. The City’s hiring of Redden and Tanksley as police chief despite their histories of

misconduct, and the City’s refusal to immediately terminate Redden and Tanksley despite their

~ 10 ~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 10 of 20 PageID #: 10


indictments, constitutes a deliberate indifference to the public at large and created the

atmosphere that allowed the individual defendants in the case at bar to believe their conduct

would go unpunished and was the direct and proximate cause of Plaintiff’s damages.

68. The City’s employment of Post as a police officer without proper P.O.S.T.

Commission certification reflects that the City did not care about the oversight of its police

officer employees.

69. The City’s retaliation of Horton establishes the City cares more about its officers

than the public at large, even when its officers persist in conduct that reflects inability to perform

duties, and malfeasance of performance and was the direct and proximate cause of Plaintiff’s

damages.

70. Despite notification from District Attorney Taylor that his office would not

prosecute any criminal charges in which Tanksley participated in any way, the City continues to

employ her as the police chief, and thus establishes the City cares more about its officers than the

public at large, even when its officers persist in conduct that reflects inability to perform duties,

and malfeasance of performance was the direct and proximate cause of Plaintiff’s damages.

Count One:
Violation of Civil Rights Under
Color of Law 42 U.S.C. §1983 –
Unreasonable Seizure without Probable Cause
December 26, 2018 Incident

71. Plaintiff reasserts and incorporates fully all averments stated in this Complaint as

if fully set out herein.

72. Post, and Trew had no probable cause to seize the Plaintiff.

73. No reasonable law enforcement officer would have acted in this manner.

~ 11 ~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 11 of 20 PageID #: 11


74. In addition, the combined actions of Post, and Trew constituted a joint effort in

which they participated as equals.

75. The City’s continued employment of the individuals identified in the portions of

this Complaint titled in-part, “City’s Liability,” and the City’s failure to discipline the same

individuals in any meaningful manner, created an atmosphere that other City employees,

including Trew and Post, could act in the same manner, and thus not be punished in any

significant way.

76. The failures of the City as set forth in previous paragraphs constituted deliberate

indifference on the part of the City, created an environment that allowed the misconduct of Post

and Trew against Plaintiff, constituted a policy of the City, and was the direct and proximate

cause of Plaintiff’s damages, and needless physical and mental suffering.

77. Post and Trew acted under color of law and their negligence and intentional acts

along with the deliberate indifference of the City deprived Plaintiff of rights secured to her under

the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to United States Constitution to be free from

unreasonable seizures of her person without probable cause and without Due Process of Law.

78. Plaintiff sues Post and Trew in their official and individual capacities under this

Count. Plaintiff also sues the City under this count.

79. Post and Trew committed their unlawful acts against Plaintiff with actual malice

toward Plaintiff and with willful and wanton indifference to and with deliberate disregard for the

constitutional rights of Plaintiff. Thus, Plaintiff is entitled to punitive damages, actual damages,

and attorney fees pursuant to 42. U.S.C. §1988.

80. The omissions of the City constituted deliberate indifference toward Plaintiff and

with willful and wanton indifference to and with deliberate disregard for the constitutional rights
~ 12 ~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 12 of 20 PageID #: 12


and statutory civil rights of Plaintiff. This failure constitutes deliberate indifference and was the

direct and proximate cause of Plaintiff’s injuries. Thus, Plaintiff is entitled to damages, and

attorney fees pursuant to 42. U.S.C. §1988.

Count Two:
Violation of Civil Rights Under
Color of Law 42 U.S.C. §1983 –
Malicious Prosecution
December 26, 2018 Incident

81. Plaintiff reasserts and incorporates fully all averments stated in this Complaint as

if fully set out herein.

82. Post and Trew had a non-delegable duty to refrain from making false criminal

charges against Plaintiff.

83. The Rhea County District Attorney General’s (“DA”) rapid dismissal of all

charges Post and Trew brought against Plaintiff supports Plaintiff’s claim of malicious

prosecution.

84. No reasonable law enforcement officer would have acted in this manner.

85. In addition, the combined actions of Post, and Trew constituted a joint effort in

which they participated as equals.

86. The City’s continued employment of the individuals identified in the portions of

this Complaint titled in-part, “City’s Liability,” and the City’s failure to discipline the same

individuals in any meaningful manner, created an atmosphere that other City employees,

including Trew and Post, could act in the same manner, and thus not be punished in any

significant way.

87. The failures of the City as set forth in previous paragraphs constituted deliberate

indifference on the part of the City, created an environment that allowed the misconduct of the
~ 13 ~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 13 of 20 PageID #: 13


individual defendants against Plaintiff, constituted a policy of the City, and was the direct and

proximate cause of Plaintiff’s damages, and needless physical and mental suffering.

88. The individual defendants acted under color of law and their negligence and

intentional acts along with the deliberate indifference of the City deprived Plaintiff of rights

secured to her under the Fourteenth Amendment to United States Constitution to be free from

malicious prosecution and thus deprived Plaintiff of her right to the Due Process of Law.

89. Plaintiff sues Post and Trew in their official and individual capacities under this

Count and sues the City under this count.

90. Post and Trew committed their acts against Plaintiff with actual malice toward

Plaintiff and with willful and wanton indifference to and with deliberate disregard for the

constitutional rights of Plaintiff. Thus, Plaintiff is entitled to punitive damages, actual damages,

and attorney fees pursuant to 42. U.S.C. §1988.

91. The omissions of the City constituted deliberate indifference toward Plaintiff and

with willful and wanton indifference to and with deliberate disregard for the constitutional rights

and statutory civil rights of Plaintiff. This failure constitutes deliberate indifference and was the

direct and proximate cause of Plaintiff’s injuries. Thus, Plaintiff is entitled to damages, and

attorney fees pursuant to 42. U.S.C. §1988.

Count Three:
Violation of Civil Rights Under
Color of Law 42 U.S.C. §1983 –
Unreasonable Seizure without Probable Cause
March 31, 2019 Incident

92. Plaintiff reasserts and incorporates fully all averments stated in this Complaint as

if fully set out herein.

~ 14 ~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 14 of 20 PageID #: 14


93. Tanksley had no probable cause to seize the Plaintiff. At best, Tanksley seized

Plaintiff on a misdemeanor that did not happen in Tanksley’s presence, which, under Tennessee

law, required Tanksley to obtain an arrest warrant.

94. No reasonable law enforcement officer would have acted in this manner.

95. Tanksley’s subsequent conduct by requiring Plaintiff to allow Tanksley to observe

Plaintiff shower and use a feminine hygiene product served no lawful purpose.

96. The City’s continued employment of the individuals identified in the portions of

this Complaint titled in-part, “City’s Liability,” and the City’s failure to discipline the same

individuals in any meaningful manner, created an atmosphere that other City employees,

including Tanksley, could act in the same manner, and thus not be punished in any significant

way.

97. The failures of the City as set forth in previous paragraphs constituted deliberate

indifference on the part of the City, created an environment that allowed the misconduct of

Tanksley against Plaintiff, constituted a policy of the City, and was the direct and proximate

cause of Plaintiff’s damages, and needless physical and mental suffering.

98. Tanksley acted under color of law and her negligence and intentional acts along

with the deliberate indifference of the City deprived Plaintiff of rights secured to her under the

Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to United States Constitution to be free from unreasonable

seizures of her person without probable cause and without Due Process of Law.

99. Plaintiff sues Tanksley in her official and individual capacities under this Count.

Plaintiff also sues the City under this count.

100. Tanksley committed her unlawful acts against Plaintiff with actual malice toward

Plaintiff and with willful and wanton indifference to and with deliberate disregard for the
~ 15 ~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 15 of 20 PageID #: 15


constitutional rights of Plaintiff. Thus, Plaintiff is entitled to punitive damages, actual damages,

and attorney fees pursuant to 42. U.S.C. §1988.

101. The omissions of the City constituted deliberate indifference toward Plaintiff and

with willful and wanton indifference to and with deliberate disregard for the constitutional rights

and statutory civil rights of Plaintiff. This failure constitutes deliberate indifference and was the

direct and proximate cause of Plaintiff’s injuries. Thus, Plaintiff is entitled to damages, and

attorney fees pursuant to 42. U.S.C. §1988.

Count Four:
Violation of Civil Rights Under
Color of Law 42 U.S.C. §1983 –
Malicious Prosecution
March 31, 2019 Incident

102. Plaintiff reasserts and incorporates fully all averments stated in this Complaint as

if fully set out herein.

103. Tanksley had a non-delegable duty to refrain from making false criminal charges

against Plaintiff.

104. The Rhea County District Attorney General’s (“DA”) rapid dismissal of the

charge Tanksley brought against Plaintiff supports Plaintiff’s claim of malicious prosecution.

105. No reasonable law enforcement officer would have acted in this manner.

106. The City’s continued employment of the individuals identified in the portions of

this Complaint titled in-part, “City’s Liability,” and the City’s failure to discipline the same

individuals in any meaningful manner, created an atmosphere that other City employees,

including Tanksley, could act in the same manner, and thus not be punished in any significant

way.

~ 16 ~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 16 of 20 PageID #: 16


107. The failures of the City as set forth in previous paragraphs constituted deliberate

indifference on the part of the City, created an environment that allowed the misconduct of

Tanksley against Plaintiff, constituted a policy of the City, and was the direct and proximate

cause of Plaintiff’s damages, and needless physical and mental suffering.

108. Tanksley acted under color of law and her negligence and intentional acts along

with the deliberate indifference of the City deprived Plaintiff of rights secured to her under the

Fourteenth Amendment to United States Constitution to be free from malicious prosecution and

thus deprived Plaintiff of her right to the Due Process of Law.

109. Plaintiff sues Tanksley in her official and individual capacities under this Count

and sues the City under this count.

110. Tanksley committed her acts against Plaintiff with actual malice toward Plaintiff

and with willful and wanton indifference to and with deliberate disregard for the constitutional

rights of Plaintiff. Thus, Plaintiff is entitled to punitive damages, actual damages, and attorney

fees pursuant to 42. U.S.C. §1988.

111. The omissions of the City constituted deliberate indifference toward Plaintiff and

with willful and wanton indifference to and with deliberate disregard for the constitutional rights

and statutory civil rights of Plaintiff. This failure constitutes deliberate indifference and was the

direct and proximate cause of Plaintiff’s injuries. Thus, Plaintiff is entitled to damages, and

attorney fees pursuant to 42. U.S.C. §1988.

Count Five:
Malicious Prosecution
December 26, 2018 Incident

112. Plaintiff reasserts and incorporates fully all averments stated in this Complaint as

if fully set out herein.


~ 17 ~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 17 of 20 PageID #: 17


113. The false charges Trew and Post brought against Plaintiff was without probable

cause and done with actual malice. The DA dismissed all the charges.

114. Trew and Post committed their acts with actual malice that allows Plaintiff an

award of substantial punitive damages.

115. Plaintiff sues Trew and Post in their individual capacities.

Count Six:
False Arrest
December 26, 2018 Incident

116. Plaintiff reasserts and incorporates fully all averments stated in this Complaint as

if fully set out herein.

117. Trew and Post did not have any lawful basis to seize and arrest Plaintiff.

118. Post and Trew arrested Plaintiff with assistance from one another, and their

individual efforts combined was tantamount to a joint venture wherein Trew and Post

participated as equals to one another.

119. Trew and Posts’ joint actions against Plaintiff were the direct and proximate cause

of Plaintiff’s damages and mental anguish. Trew and Post committed their acts with actual

malice that allows Plaintiff an award of substantial punitive damages.

120. Plaintiff sues Trew and Post in their individual capacities.

Count Seven:
Malicious Prosecution
March 31, 2019 Incident

120. Plaintiff reasserts and incorporates fully all averments stated in this Complaint as

if fully set out herein.

121. The false charge Tanksley brought against Plaintiff was without probable cause

and done with actual malice. The DA dismissed all the charges.
~ 18 ~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 18 of 20 PageID #: 18


122. Tanksley committed her acts with actual malice that allows Plaintiff an award of

substantial punitive damages.

123. Plaintiff sues Tanksley in her individual capacity.

Count Eight:
False Arrest
March 31, 2019 Incident

124. Plaintiff reasserts and incorporates fully all averments stated in this Complaint as

if fully set out herein.

125. Tanksley did not have any lawful basis to seize and arrest Plaintiff.

126. Tanksley’s actions against Plaintiff were the direct and proximate cause of

Plaintiff’s damages and mental anguish. Tanksley committed her acts with actual malice that

allows Plaintiff an award of substantial punitive damages.

127. Plaintiff sues Tanksley in her individual capacity.

Count Nine:
Tort of Outrage
March 31, 2019 Incident

128. Plaintiff reasserts and incorporates fully all averments stated in this Complaint as

if fully set out herein.

129. Tanksley did not have any lawful basis to seize and arrest Plaintiff, and then

observe Plaintiff shower and use a feminine hygiene product.

130. Tanksley’s against Plaintiff were the direct and proximate cause of Plaintiff’s

damages and mental anguish. Tanksley committed her acts with actual malice that allows

Plaintiff an award of substantial punitive damages.

131. Plaintiff sues Tanksley in her individual capacity.

~ 19 ~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 19 of 20 PageID #: 19


WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment against the Defendants jointly and severally

and requests the following relief:

a. The Court to award compensatory damages in the amount of ONE MILLION

DOLLARS ($1,000,000) against all Defendants, and punitive damages in the amount of TWO

MILLION DOLLARS ($2,000.000) against the individual Defendants;

b. That the Court award attorney’s fees;

c. That the Court award costs, and discretionary costs;

d. Any other relief the Court may deem fit and proper;

e. Any other relief the Court may deem fit and proper pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §1988,

and

f. Allow a jury trial on all issues.

Respectfully submitted,

By: /s/ Robin Ruben Flores


ROBIN RUBEN FLORES
TENN. BPR #20751
GA. STATE BAR #200745
Attorney for Plaintiff
4110-A Brainerd Road
Chattanooga, TN 37411
423 / 267-1575 fax 267-2703
[email protected]

~ 20 ~

Case 1:19-cv-00311 Document 1 Filed 11/03/19 Page 20 of 20 PageID #: 20

You might also like