ST. LOUIS, March 17, 2008 -The American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri has filed suit against the City of St. George and the police officer whose threats to fabricate charges against a young motorist were captured on videotape.
On September 7, 2007, Brett Darrow, 20, was detained in a commuter parking lot for nearly 20 minutes by former St. George officer James E. Kuehnlein, Jr., and another unidentified officer. Although Darrow had broken no laws, Kuehnlein was caught on tape berating Darrow and threatening to arrest him on made-up charges. After the tape of Kuehnlein’s vulgarity-laced tirade was released, he was fired.
“Fortunately, Brett Darrow videotaped the encounter so it was not his word against that of the police,” said Brenda Jones, executive director of the ACLU of Eastern Missouri. “The officer’s behavior was extreme and unacceptable, but it’s only because of the tape that he’s facing justice.”
The ACLU case was filed today by cooperating attorney Christopher Donohoo. It alleges that the detention and assault of Darrow violated his civil rights. It also asks that the City of St. George be held responsible for its negligent hiring, training and supervision of its police officers.
“The behavior of these St. George officers tarnishes the reputation of all of the police officers who are committed to abiding by the rule of law and treating citizens they encounter with respect,” said Anthony Rothert, legal director of the ACLU of Eastern Missouri, who is also representing Darrow.
A video clip of Darrow’s encounter with the police is available for viewing.
The complaint filed today in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri can be found below.