2014 09 22 Federal Complaint

Federal complaint for damages against the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office (Lafayette, Louisiana) for police brutality and civil rights violations.
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1 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA LAFAYETTE DIVISION JASON BRUNGARDT VERSUS MICHAEL W. NEUSTROM, in his official capacity as the duly elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette; BRANDON GALLIEN, individually and in his official capacity as a Deputy Sheriff for the Parish of Lafayette; MICHAEL G. MCSHEFFREY, individually and in his official capacity as a Deputy Sheriff for the Parish of Lafayette; SCARLA N. CELESTINE, individually and in his official capacity as a Deputy Sheriff for the Parish of Lafayette; and ADRIAN THERIOT, individually and in his official capacity as a Deputy Sheriff for the Parish of Lafayette CIVIL ACTION NO.: JUDGE: MAGISTRATE: JURY DEMANDED COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES TO THE HONORABLE, THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA: INTRODUCTION This is an action for money damages brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and 1988, and under the laws of Louisiana against Michael W. Neustrom, in his official capacity as the duly- elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette; Brandon Gallien, individually and in his official as a Deputy Sheriff for the Parish of Lafayette; Michael G. McSheffrey, individually and in his official as a Deputy Sheriff for the Parish of Lafayette; Scarla N. Celestine, individually and in her official as a Deputy Sheriff for the Parish of Lafayette and Adrian Theriot, individually and in his official as a Deputy Sheriff for the Parish of Lafayette. Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 1 of 19 PageID #: 1 2 JURISDICTION 1. This action for monetary damages is brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C.1983 as well as the Constitution of the United States and the State of Louisiana, the United States Code, Louisiana Civil Code and the Revised Statues of Louisiana. Jurisdiction is founded on 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 28 U.S.C. § 1343. The plaintiff further invokes jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, under 28 U.S.C. § 1367 to adjudicate claims arising under the Laws of the State of Louisiana including but not limited to Article 2315, et seq, of the Louisiana Civil Code. 2. The complaints further allege the Defendants are liable in solido (or according to such determination as the Court may make) to the plaintiff for the damages, costs, fees and expenses described in this Complaint for the reasons described in the following sections of this Complaint. VENUE 3. Venue lies in this Court under 28 USC § 1391(b) (2), as the events giving rise to this claim occurred within this judicial district. PARTIES 4. Complainant, JASON BRUNGARDT, is a person of the full age of majority and a resident of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. 5. Made defendants herein are the following: (1) MICHAEL W. NEUSTROM, in his official capacity as the duly elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette; upon information and belief, the duly-elected Sheriff of Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 2 of 19 PageID #: 2 3 the Parish of Lafayette, State of Louisiana, and the employer of Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Deputies. Michael W. Neustrom is sued herein in his official capacity as the duly-elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette, who can be served at his place of employment, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, at 316 W. Main Street, Lafayette, Louisiana; (2) BRANDON GALLIEN, both individually and in his official as a Deputy Sheriff for the Parish of Lafayette; upon information and belief, a person of the full age of majority and a resident of the Parish of Lafayette, who can be served at his residence at 233 Roman Road, Opelousas, Louisiana; (3) MICHAEL G. MCSHEFFREY, both individually and in his official as a Deputy Sheriff for the Parish of Lafayette; upon information and belief, a person of the full age of majority and a resident of the Parish of Lafayette, who can be served at his residence at 1113 Tolson Road, Lafayette, Louisiana; (4) SCARLA N. CELESTINE, both individually and in her official as a Deputy Sheriff for the Parish of Lafayette; upon information and belief, a person of the full age of majority and a resident of the Parish of Lafayette, who can be served at her residence at 206 Dijon Drive, Lafayette, Louisiana; and (5) ADRIAN THERIOT, both individually and in his official as a Deputy Sheriff for the Parish of Lafayette; upon information and belief, a person of the full age of majority and a resident of the Parish of Lafayette, who can be served at his residence at 403 Gravouia Road, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. 6. The right of jury trial is herein requested under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. COMMON FACTS ALLEDGED IN SUPPORT OF LIABILITY – ALL CAUSES OF ACTION 7. At all times pertinent, the complainant, JASON BRUNGARDT, affirms and attests that: 8. On April 7, 2014, petitioner, Jason Brundgardt, was incarcerated at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center located at 916 Lafayette Street, Lafayette, Louisiana. Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 3 of 19 PageID #: 3 4 9. The Lafayette Parish Correctional Center is operated under the direction of Sheriff Michael W. Neustrom, the policy maker for the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office. 10. At approximately 3:00 a.m. Jason Brungardt was awaiting booking in the open booking area of the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center. The open booking area is large area within the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center compromised of a seating area which allows for staff to closely monitor and interact with offenders awaiting completion of the booking process. The area is also equipped with multiple cameras. 11. Jason Brungardt was escorted from the open booking area to a booking isolation cell. The booking isolation cell is a small, narrow cell containing a concrete bench and toilet. Visibility in and out of the cell is limited to a small window on the door and/or wall. 12. Approximately thirty minutes after being placed in the cell Jason Brungardt placed his foot into the drain hole of the toilet and flushed the toilet. 13. Deputy staff oberserved the actions of Jason Brungardt and advised him to stop. Mr. Brungardt complied. 14. Deputy Brandon Gallien and Deputy Michael McSheffrey then entered into the cell and instructed Mr. Brungardt to laydown on the floor of the cell. Mr. Brungardt complied with the instructions and did not offer any resistance. At no time did Mr. Brungardt pose a threat or danger to the safety of Deputy Brandon Gallien and Deputy Michael McSheffrey. Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 4 of 19 PageID #: 4 5 15. Deputy Brandon Gallien and Deputy Michael McSheffrey each grabbed an arm of Jason Brungardt and raised his arms up behind his back while he lay on his belly. 16. While Jason Brungardt lay compliant on the floor of the cell Brandon Gallien and/or Michael G. McSheffrey and/or Scarla N. Celestine and/or Adrian Theriot began to strike him. 17. Jason Brungardt laid scared and in agony on the floor with his eyes closed and offering no resistance while he was struck several times in his torso. 18. Based on information and belief, Jason Brungardt was kicked approximately a dozen times while he lay defenseless on the ground. 19. Several other Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Deputies entered into the cell at one point Jason Brungardt was “pepper sprayed”. 20. While Jason Brungardt lay limp in agonizing pain and without offering any resistance Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Deputies began to roll him over on his back and continued to strike him. 21. Based on information and belief, Deputy Michael G. McSheffrey stated to other staff members ‘he has had enough’. Jason Brungardt reported to staff that he was having trouble breathing, but no one showed any concern for his well being. Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 5 of 19 PageID #: 5 6 22. Jason Brungardt was then placed in a restraint chair where his arms, legs and chest were strapped down preventing him from moving. Jason Brungardt sat in agonizing pain from the brutal attack, continued to have difficulty breathing and his skin burning from the pepper spray. 23. Approximately thirty minutes later Jason Brungardt was removed from the restraint chair and brought to a shower area where he was finally allowed to wash himself on the pepper spray. 24. Jason Brungardt was instructed to put on an orange prison jumpsuit, but was unable to do so on his own and had to be assisted by Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Deputies. 25. Approximately one hour after being subjected to the attack, experiencing agonizing pain and continously complaining of problems breathing Jason Brungardt was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. 26. While at the hospital it was determined that Jason Brungardt had suffered four full fractured ribs and a punctured lung from the attack requiring a chest tube be inserted into him. 27. Jason Brungardt remained hospitalized for approximately three days before returning to the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center. 28. The force used against Jason Brungardt was excessive and was in now way related to carrying out a legitimate penalogical interest. Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 6 of 19 PageID #: 6 7 29. The attack was maliciously and sadistically carried out and continued even though Jason Brungardt did not offer any resistance. 30. Based on information and belief, the staff involved in the incident took steps to disguise, deceive and cover-up their actions and/or involvement including falsifying information contained in their reports and/or deliberately misstating the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. 31. Based on information and belief, Sheriff Deputy Scarla N. Celestine, participated in the attack and/or cover-up following the attack. 32. Based on information and belief, Sheriff Deputy Adrian Theriot, participated in the attack and/or cover-up following the attack. 33. Based on information and belief, Adrian Theriot, an employee believed to be involved in a very close relationship with the daughter of the Chief Deputy Arthur Lebreton, failed to report the incident to others out of fear of retaliation, clearly illustarting how deeply-entrenched the culture of retaliation for reporting inappropriate and even criminal behavior of other employees is. 34. Michael W. Neustrom has failed and/or refused to hold accountable high-ranking supervisors in the face of significant nonfeasance and/or malfeasance by these supervisors and/or by the officers they oversee. Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 7 of 19 PageID #: 7 8 35. Despite the defendants knowledge of the serious problem of improper and excessive use of force amongst staff of the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, Michael W. Neustrom has repeatedly failed to take reasonable steps to address the probem. 36. Michael W. Neustrom have failed to put in place adequate policies governing use of force. Policies are grossly lacking in specificity about typical force scenarios that are likely to arise in the jails and the proper way for personnel assigned to Corrections to handle those situations. 37. The insufficiency of the force policies makes it almost impossible to train deputies adequately on the proper use of force. 38. Defendants have abjectly failed to develop policies that address the problem of brutality with employees of the Lafayette Parish Sheriff. Policies regarding use of force, investigation of use of force, discipline for deputies who have used excessive force or failed to report use of force, supervisors who have mishandled investigations of force, and training of deputies and supervisors all fail to meaningfully address the problem. When allegations of deputy violence arise, they are infrequently investigated, and deputies are rarely disciplined. Defendants have failed to track incidents of violence, even though systems for doing so are readily available and commonly used. In this way, Defendants have fostered a pattern and practice of deputy violence against inmates, which places inmates at a significant, ongoing risk of serious and irreparable injury. Deputies and supervisors alike have come to believe that committing abuse (or failing to Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 8 of 19 PageID #: 8 9 investigate abuse) will have absolutely no negative impact on one’s career. As a result, physical abuse by deputies continues unchecked. The persistent failure or refusal of Michael W. Neustrom to supervise deputies properly or take action to curb the misconduct demonstrates the Defendants’ deliberate indifference to the petitioners’ right to reasonable protection from harm. 39. The failures of Defendant Michael W. Neustrom to take appropriate steps to curb the pattern of brutality within the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, as described in this complaint, constitutes deliberate indifference to petitioner’s basic need for reasonable protection from harm and violates plaintiff’s right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment, including physical abuse and intimidation, degrading, cruel, and sadistic treatment, and the wanton and needless infliction of pain, as guaranteed to petitioner by the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Unites States Constitution. 40. At all times material hereto, Sheriff Deputy Brandon Gallien, was in the course and scope of his employment with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office and was acting under color of law, while employed, controlled, and supervised by Michael W. Neustrom, as the duly-elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette. 41. At all times during the offenses described above, Sheriff Deputy Brandon Gallien was engaged in a personal venture. Deputy Gallien performed the various actions described above and let his physical presence and support and the authority of his office be known during the said events. Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 9 of 19 PageID #: 9 10 42. At all times material hereto, Sheriff Deputy Michael G. McSheffrey, was in the course and scope of his employment with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office and was acting under color of law, while employed, controlled, and supervised by Michael W. Neustrom, as the duly- elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette. 43. At all times during the offenses described above, Sheriff Deputy Michael G. McSheffrey was engaged in a personal venture. Deputy McSheffrey performed the various actions described above and let his physical presence and support and the authority of his office be known during the said events. 44. At all times material hereto, Sheriff Deputy Scarla N. Celestine, was in the course and scope of his employment with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office and was acting under color of law, while employed, controlled, and supervised by Michael W. Neustrom, as the duly-elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette. 45. At all times during the offenses described above, Sheriff Deputy Scarla N. Celestine was engaged in a personal venture. Deputy Celestine performed the various actions described above and let his physical presence and support and the authority of his office be known during the said events. 46. At all times material hereto, Sheriff Deputy Adrian Theriot, was in the course and scope of his employment with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office and was acting under color of law, Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 10 of 19 PageID #: 10 11 while employed, controlled, and supervised by Michael W. Neustrom, as the duly-elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette. 47. At all times during the offenses described above, Sheriff Deputy Adrian Theriot was engaged in a personal venture. Deputy Theriot performed the various actions described above and let his physical presence and support and the authority of his office be known during the said events. 48. As a direct and proximate result of the said incidents by the defendant, petitioner, Jason Brungardt, suffered the following injuries and damages: (a) Use of excessive force in violation of his civil rights under 42 U.S.C. §1983; (b) Pain and suffering; (c) Mental anguish, and emotional pain and suffering; (d) Medical bills and expenses; (e) Loss of enjoyment of life; (f) For all damages allowed under Civil Code Article 2315; (g) Attorney’s fees pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1988; (h) Punitive damages against Sheriff Michael W. Neustrom in his personal capacity; (i) Punitive damages against Sheriff Deputy Brandon Gallien in his personal capacity; (j) Punitive damages against Sheriff Deputy Michael G. McSheffrey in his personal capacity; (k) Punitive damages against Sheriff Deputy Scarla N. Celestine in her personal capacity; and (l) Punitive damages against Sheriff Deputy Adrian Theriot in his personal capacity. Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 11 of 19 PageID #: 11 12 49. The actions of the defendant violated the following, clearly established and well-settled federal and state constitutional rights of Jason Brungardt to be: (a) Free from the use of excessive and unreasonably justified force against his person; COUNT ONE: 42 U.S.C. §1983 AGAINST INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANT 50. By reason of the allegations set forth in paragraphs 1 through 49, petitioner, Jason Brungardt, was deprived by the Defendants of his rights, under the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution, to due process of law, right to be free from punishment without due process, gratuitous and excessive force, degrading and sadistic treatment. 51. Petitioner, Jason Brungardt, claims damages for the injuries set forth above under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against the defendant, Sheriff Michael W. Neustrom, in his official capacity as a Sheriff for the Parish of Lafayette, for violation of his constitutional rights under Color of Law. 52. Petitioner, Jason Brungardt, claims damages for the injuries set forth above under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against the defendant, Brandon Gallien, both in his individual capacity and in his official capacity as a Deputy Sheriff for the Lafayette Sheriff, for violation of his constitutional rights under Color of Law. 53. Petitioner, Jason Brungardt, claims damages for the injuries set forth above under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against the defendant, Michael G. McSheffrey, both in his individual capacity Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 12 of 19 PageID #: 12 13 and in his official capacity as a Deputy Sheriff for the Lafayette Sheriff, for violation of his constitutional rights under Color of Law. 54. Petitioner, Jason Brungardt, claims damages for the injuries set forth above under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against the defendant, Scarla N. Celestine, both in his individual capacity and in his official capacity as a Deputy Sheriff for the Lafayette Sheriff, for violation of his constitutional rights under Color of Law. 55. Petitioner, Jason Brungardt, claims damages for the injuries set forth above under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against the defendant, Adrian Theriot, both in his individual capacity and in his official capacity as a Deputy Sheriff for the Lafayette Sheriff, for violation of his constitutional rights under Color of Law. COUNT TWO: ASSAULT AND BATTERY AGAINST INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANT 56. Paragraphs 1 through 49 are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth. 57. Defendant, Deputy Sheriff Brandon Gallien assaulted and battered Jason Brungardt, in violation of Louisiana state law, specifically, La. C.C. art. 2315, et seq. 58. Defendant, Deputy Sheriff Michael G. McSheffrey assaulted and battered Jason Brungardt, in violation of Louisiana state law, specifically, La. C.C. art. 2315, et seq. Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 13 of 19 PageID #: 13 14 59. Defendant, Deputy Sheriff Scarla N. Celestine assaulted and battered Jason Brungardt, in violation of Louisiana state law, specifically, La. C.C. art. 2315, et seq. 60. Defendant, Deputy Sheriff Adrian Theriot assaulted and battered Jason Brungardt, in violation of Louisiana state law, specifically, La. C.C. art. 2315, et seq. 61. At all times material and present, defendant Deputy Sheriff Brandon Gallien, was acting within the course and scope of his employment with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, and therefore, Michael W. Neustrom as the duly-elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette is vicariously liable pursuant to Louisiana state law for the assault and battery, committed by its employee, Deputy Sheriff Brandon Gallien. 62. At all times material and present, defendant Deputy Sheriff Michael G. McSheffrey, was acting within the course and scope of his employment with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, and therefore, Michael W. Neustrom as the duly-elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette is vicariously liable pursuant to Louisiana state law for the assault and battery, committed by its employee, Deputy Sheriff Michael G. McSheffrey. 63. At all times material and present, defendant Deputy Sheriff Scarla N. Celestine, was acting within the course and scope of his employment with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, and therefore, Michael W. Neustrom as the duly-elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette is vicariously liable pursuant to Louisiana state law for the assault and battery, committed by its employee, Deputy Sheriff Scarla N. Celestine. Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 14 of 19 PageID #: 14 15 64. At all times material and present, defendant Deputy Sheriff Adrian Theriot, was acting within the course and scope of his employment with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, and therefore, Michael W. Neustrom as the duly-elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette is vicariously liable pursuant to Louisiana state law for the assault and battery, committed by its employee, Deputy Sheriff Adrian Theriot. COUNT THREE: 65. Paragraphs 1 through 49 are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth. 66. Prior to April 7, 2014, Michael W. Neustrom as the duly-elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette developed and maintained policies or customs exhibiting deliberate indifference to the constitutional rights of the people of Lafayette Parish, specifically regarding the use of excessive force and/or unjustified force, which caused the violation of Jason Brungardt’s constitutional rights. 67. It was the policy and/or custom of Michael W. Neustrom as the duly-elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette to inadequately and improperly investigated complaints of deputy misconduct, and the acts of misconduct which were instead tolerated. 68. It was the policy and/or custom of the Michael W. Neustrom as the duly-elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette, to inadequately supervise and/or train its sheriff deputies, including the defendant deputy thereby failing to adequately discourage further constitutional violations on the part of its sheriff deputies. Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 15 of 19 PageID #: 15 16 69. As a result of the above described policies and/or customs, Deputy Sheriff’s for the Parish of Lafayette, including the defendants, Deputy Brandon Gallien, Deputy Michael G. McSheffrey, Deputy Scarla N. Celestine and Deputy Adrian Theriot, believed that their actions would not be properly monitored by supervisory officers and that misconduct would not be investigated or sanctioned, but would be tolerated. 70. The above described policies and customs demonstrate a deliberate indifference on the part of the policy makers of the Parish of Lafayette to the constitutional rights of persons within the Parish of Lafayette and were the cause of the violations of plaintiff’s rights alleged herein. COUNT FOUR: SPOILIATION OF THE EVIDENCE 71. Paragraphs 1 through 49 are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth. 72. Defendant’s intentional destroyed, mutilated, altered, and/or concealed evidence including but not limited to: statements and reports. COUNT FIVE: 73. Paragraphs 1 through 49 are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth. Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 16 of 19 PageID #: 16 17 74. Further, plaintiff specifically alleges defendant, Michael W. Neustrom as the duly-elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette, condoned the establishment of practices, procedures, customs, and policies, written and unwritten, which allowed the deprivation of plaintiff’s constitutional rights as set out herein. Such written and unwritten practices, procedures, customs, and policies include but are not limited to: (a) Inadequate and improper training, education, supervision, and discipline of law enforcement agents/officers/deputies commissioned and employed by it; (b) Condoning and allowing police behavior that has been declared unconstitutional and unlawful; (c) Inadequate and improper procedures, policies and practices for identifying and taking appropriate action against law enforcement agents/officers/deputies and employees who are in need of re-training, corrective measures, re- assignment, or other disciplinary and non-disciplinary actions through a positive and early warning system designed to prevent the violations of citizens’ constitutional and civil rights, including those of plaintiff; (d) Negligent selection, appointment, and retention of Brandon Gallien, Michael G. McSheffrey, Scarla N. Celestine, and Adrian Theriot; (e) Failure to conduct appropriate and adequate internal investigations; (f) Failure to correct a police “code of silence”; (g) Failure to provide a meaningful avenue for independent and impartial internal investigations; (h) Vicarious liability for the acts and omissions of Brandon Gallien, Michael G. McSheffrey, Scarla N. Celestine, and Adrian Theriot under the doctrine of respondeat superior and La. C.C. Art. 2317; and Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 17 of 19 PageID #: 17 18 (i) All other acts and omissions which constitute actionable injury, including negligence, intentional negligence and negligence per se under Louisiana law. 75. As a result of their unlawful and unconstitutional conduct, defendants, Michael W. Neustrom, in his official capacity as the duly-elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette; Brandon Gallien, individually and in his official as a Deputy Sheriff for the Parish of Lafayette; Michael G. McSheffrey, individually and in his official as a Deputy Sheriff for the Parish of Lafayette; Scarla N. Celestine, individually and in his official as a Deputy Sheriff for the Parish of Lafayette and Adrian Theriot, individually and in his official as a Deputy Sheriff for the Parish of Lafayette, jointly, individually and in solido, deprived plaintiff of his civil rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Said defendants are liable, individually, jointly and in solido, unto plaintiff for such damages. 76. The malicious actions, lack of actions, breach of duties, negligence and gross negligence of defendants individually and/or together caused physical and emotional harm and ultimately the injuries to Jason Brungardt and constitute wrongful and intentional torts under Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2315, 2316, and 2320. 77. The defendant, Michael W. Neustrom, as the duly-elected Sheriff of the Parish of Lafayette, acted in violation of Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315 and 2316 by negligently hiring, training, supervising and disciplining of the defendants, Deputy Sheriff Brandon Gallien, Deputy Sheriff Michael G. McSheffrey, Deputy Sheriff Scarla N. Celestine, and Deputy Sheriff Adrian Theriot, regarding constitutional rights and/or the use of force. Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 18 of 19 PageID #: 18 19 78. As a direct and proximate cause of the negligence and intentional acts, and constitutional torts and violations of his civil rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and other Louisiana laws, petitioner suffered damages of physical harm and severe mental anguish. WHEREFORE, petitioner, Jason Brungardt, prays that a jury trial be had as to the issues triable by jury; that compensatory damages to be fixed by a jury against the defendants, individually, jointly and in solido, be awarded; that punitive damages to be fixed by a jury against the defendants, Sheriff Michael W. Neustrom, Deputy Sheriff Brandon Gallien, Deputy Sheriff Michael G. McSheffrey, Deputy Sheriff Scarla N. Celestine, and Deputy Sheriff Adrian Theriot be awarded; that all costs of this action be assessed against the defendants, individually, jointly and in solido; that attorney’s fees be awarded herein to plaintiff and that such attorney’s fees be assessed against the defendants, individually, jointly and in solido; and, for any and all other relief that this Court deems just and proper. Respectfully submitted: L. CLAYTON BURGESS, A P.L.C. 605 West Congress Street Lafayette, Louisiana 70502-52 7050150 Telephone: (337) 234-7573 Facsimile: (337) 233-3890 s/L. Clayton Burgess L. CLAYTON BURGESS, T.A. (22979) Attorney for Plaintiff Case 6:14-cv-02778 Document 1 Filed 09/22/14 Page 19 of 19 PageID #: 19