News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
An attorney involved in the case said the federal lawsuit filed against White County Sheriff Oddie Shoupe will be a long process.
Richard Brooks represents plaintiff Jessica Newnum. He said the next steps give White County 21 to 45 days to answer the suit before the case proceeds and a federal judge is assigned.
Brooks said he filed the case because Shoupe and his deputies violated Newnum’s rights.
“The Bill of Rights were instituted in order to give us personal protection down here. The law and order advocates don’t mind giving up their freedoms, especially if they’re among the elite class, but the common person in Smith, White, Putnam counties have no relief because they have no advantage,” Brooks said.
Shoupe has reportedly said he doesn’t need a search warrant if he has probable cause.
“You just use common sense, they don’t kick a banker’s door, they don’t kick a politician’s door and go in,” Brooks said.
According to the suit, Shoupe and deputies arrived at her Gum Springs Mountain Road home in May 2016, looking for David Pecor. Newnum was in bed at the time and didn’t know Pecor. She said her house was searched without her consent.
The suit states Newnum suffers from nightmares, panic attacks and now fears law enforcement officers.
