Jury Rejects Man’s Civil Rights Case
A civil jury rejected a plaintiff’s claim that his civil rights had been violated when he was arrested almost two years ago by Officer Alex Fagan Jr. and a fellow officer.
The jury’s finding on Wednesday means James Smith, 35, is not entitled to collect damages from the city.
Deputy City Atty. Sean Connolly said there was not any evidence to support the allegation that the drunken and belligerent Smith had been repeatedly beaten while being arrested in September 2002.
Fagan’s conduct during his brief tenure as a rookie officer has triggered three other lawsuits against the city. He also faces criminal charges for a November 2002 off-duty street confrontation with two men over a bag of fajitas.
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