Jefferson Parish sheriff sued after arrestee wins criminal trial

After winning a criminal trial on resisting arrest charges, a Jefferson Parish resident is fighting back by suing the sheriff for use of unreasonable force and causing bodily injury.

John J. Acosta filed suit against Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand and Jeffrey Reynolds on Oct. 14 in federal court in New Orleans.

According to the civil suit, Acosta was arrested by Jefferson Parish Deputy Jeffrey Reynolds on Oct. 18, 2009 outside of O'Charley's Caddy Shack. Acosta states he was working as a disc jockey at the restaurant and was escorting his wife to his vehicle at the time of the incident.

Acosta was attempting to help his wife into the vehicle when the deputy pulled Acosta from the vehicle and threw him to the concrete curve. Acosta states he suffered an immediate disabling injury.

Reynolds arrested Acosta and charged him with resisting arrest, battery on a police officer and disturbing the peace. The case went to trial in July and Acosta was found not guilty.

The defendants are accused of depriving Acosta of his rights and causing Acosta injury and damage.

Acosta is seeking damages for loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, loss of consortium, exemplary damages, interest and court costs.

Acosta is represented by Metairie attorney Anthony L. Glorioso.

U.S. District Judge Martin L. C. Feldman is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10-cv-03594