Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, August 5, 2015
(VIGO CO.) - The Vigo County Sheriff’s Office has released a statement following a federal lawsuit being filed against the Vigo County Sheriff and officers of Vigo County.
WTHI reports the complaint was filed on July 29 by former Vigo County Jail Officer, Kim Hawkins. He claims he was fired without just cause and is asking for $150,000 in lost wages and emotional distress.
In the lawsuit Hawkins states other jail officers used excessive force and abused the inmates. He also claims that when he tried to report it, he was ignored.
In the statement released Tuesday, the Vigo County Sheriff's Office states that the allegations made in the lawsuit are untrue.
"The evidence in this case will show that Hawkins' termination as an employee was appropriate and fully within the Sheriff's discretion," the release stated. "The evidence will not support reckless allegations of mistreatment of Vigo County Jail inmates."
Last Thursday Hawkins along with his attorney held a news conference in front of the Vigo County Courthouse.
"Too often, we do not have anybody in the community willing to stand up, willing to come forward, willing to draw a line in the sand and say 'enough is enough' and here's what really goes on," stated Michael Sutherlin, Hawkins' attorney.
The statement released by the Vigo County Sheriff's Office continued to say that this news conference held by Hawkins and his attorney, "further slandered our jail staff and people who have devoted their careers to public service."
The Vigo County Sheriff's Office has stated that they will not engage in a public debate in this matter but will go through the forum of a judge and a jury 'in a federal district court and with evidence produced by witnesses under oath.'
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.