Richer v. N. Smithfield Police Department

  • Filed: 10/24/2018
  • Status: Closed
  • Latest Update: Oct 24, 2018
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Summary

This is a federal lawsuit on behalf of a North Smithfield resident, challenging the police department’s refusal to remove from its files a note falsely claiming that he is “dangerous,” “psychologically unstable,” and has numerous weapons at his house. Police officials have acknowledged that they have no basis for the claims contained in the note, which was uncovered while the ACLU was litigating another pending lawsuit on behalf of the resident, Jason Richer. Update: Lawsuit successfully settled in November 2019.

Attorney(s):
Thomas W. Lyons, Rhiannon S. Huffman

News & Commentary

Oct 22, 2018

ACLU Sues N. Smithfield Police for Placing Resident in Danger by Falsely Labeling Him Unstable

The ACLU of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of a North Smithfield resident, challenging the police department’s refusal to remove from its files a note falsely claiming that he is “dangerous,” “psychologically unstable,” and has numerous weapons at his house. Police officials have acknowledged that they have no basis for the claims contained in the note, which was uncovered while the ACLU was litigating another pending lawsuit on behalf of the resident, Jason Richer.

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Learn More About the Issues in This Case

Due Process Criminal Justice Reform First Amendment View All Issues

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News & Commentary
Oct 22, 2018
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  • Due Process|
  • +1 Issue

ACLU Sues N. Smithfield Police for Placing Resident in Danger by Falsely Labeling Him Unstable

The ACLU of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of a North Smithfield resident, challenging the police department’s refusal to remove from its files a note falsely claiming that he is “dangerous,” “psychologically unstable,” and has numerous weapons at his house. Police officials have acknowledged that they have no basis for the claims contained in the note, which was uncovered while the ACLU was litigating another pending lawsuit on behalf of the resident, Jason Richer.