GRETNA – A deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is being accused of assaulting an arrestee by slamming her head into a wall and making her lose consciousness.
Kathlyn Lemeunier filed suit against Newell Normand, individually and in his capacity as the Sheriff of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department, Parish of Jefferson’s Sheriff’s Department and Matthew Chieffo, deputy sheriff for the Parish of Jefferson, in the 24th Judicial District Court on Dec. 29.
Lemeunier asserts she was placed under arrest on Dec. 24, 2013 by Chieffo for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The plaintiff claims that when she was being booked by Chieffo at the First District precinct of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office he slammed her head against the wall causing her to temporarily lose consciousness. Lemeunier alleges Cheiffo’s assault resulted in injuries to her head, neck and back.
The defendant is accused of intentionally accosting the plaintiff, failing to take proper and necessary action to prevent risks of harm, employing and retaining incompetent employees, failing to properly train and discipline employees and permitting or failing to prevent abusive behavior by deputy sheriffs.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, permanent disability, medical expense, loss of earning capacity and loss of enjoyment of life.
Lemeunier is represented by attorney Nanak S. Rai of New Orleans.
The case has been assigned to Division M Judge Henry G. Sullivan Jr.
Case no. 745-422.
Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputy sued, accused of excessive force
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