News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
A Sparta man has filed a civil rights lawsuit against White County after his false arrest last year.
A sheriff’s deputy arrested Ronnie Richardson for charges of selling and delivering methamphetamine. The District Attorney’s Office later dropped the charges after realizing the deputy had arrested the wrong man.
Attorney Richard Brooks said the lawsuit seeks compensation for his client, but also a change in law enforcement practices.
“Since this is something that occurs not only here, but in other police departments, we want them to do something besides run a drivers license,” Brooks said. “We have social security numbers and individual characteristics, but they’re just not going to take the time to do it.”
Richardson served as a grand juror when his arrest took place. After hearing several cases, deputies asked him to leave the courtroom before indicting him on four counts of selling and manufacturing meth.
Brooks said Richardson posted a $60,000 bond before District Attorney Bryant Dunaway acknowledged the mistake and dismissed the charges.
“He had already gone through the embarrassment of having it all over a small town that he was a dope dealer,” Brooks said. “Plus, he had to post a $60,000 bond. Come to find out, he was not the right person and even the first name was wrong.”
The lawsuit accuses the deputy of not taking actions to confirm the identity of the actual suspect. Brooks said his client continues to suffer mentally and emotionally after his wrongful arrest.
“Just because somebody may be arrested, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s guilty and it may not even be the right person,” Brooks said. “This happens on a regular basis and it should be stopped. They should at least be respectful to American citizens and try to get it right when they arrest somebody.”
