A lawsuit filed with the Oktibbeha County Circuit Court alleges police brutality by two sheriff’s deputies against a Mississippi State University student.
Grenada-based attorney Carlos Moore filed the suit mid-February on behalf of 24-year-old Marine Corps Reservist Maurice Washington Jr.
The lawsuit claims four counts against deputies William Ford and Andre Quinn: intentional and/or negligent infliction of emotional distress; civil assault and battery; violation of federal due process; and excessive force.
The lawsuit states that Washington was attending a party Aug. 24, 2012 at a local apartment complex — believed to be 21 Apartments, outside the Starkville incorporated liimits — when deputies allegedly stormed in and demanded identification. Washington reached for his wallet and was allegedly placed in a headlock, thrown to the floor, handcuffed and tasered while detained.
“After being taken outside, (Washington) was tasered once again while he was lying face down on the ground,” the lawsuit states. It also alleges he was tasered a third time at the police station and thrown into a shower fully-clothed.
Moore said existing video shows one of the taser incidents at the apartment.
“(Deputies) knew they were being videoed — they knew it and tased him again,” Moore said. “It’s a sad state of affairs when an individual who has put his life at risk for serving his country is treated like this. It’s abysmal and unfair because he was treated worse than a prisoner of war. If my client decided to fight to defend the Constitution, then the people sworn to uphold it should do so for him. These officers thought they were above the law.”
Washington was never advised of his Miranda rights and was falsely charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, the lawsuit states.
Moore is seeking appropriate relief for Washington’s mental and emotional anguish and pain and suffering.
Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department representatives declined to comment due to the nature of the pending litigation, refererring questions to attorney Ray Hall, but calls were not returned Thursday.
Moore said Washington, a Jackson resident, is currently enrolled at MSU as a criminology major. He is still enlisted.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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