Battery suit filed against Orleans Parish sheriff's deputy

NEW ORLEANS – A woman is suing the Orleans Parish Sheriff and a deputy for alleged mistreatment.

Julie Kalka filed suit on Feb. 2 in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court against Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, Deputy Mark Andry, Our Lady of Holy Cross College and other officers affiliated with the institutions.

Kalka claims she was intimidated, harassed, assaulted and battered by Deputy Andry. The plaintiff alleges she was on her way to attend a college class at Our Lady of Holy Cross College when Deputy Andry pulled along side her in plainclothes and in an unmarked police car and began yelling at her as she exited her vehicle.

Kalka claims she continued walking to class because the officer did not identify himself. The filing then states that Deputy Andry exited his vehicle and followed her into an academic hall and threw her against a wall and notified her that she had made an illegal turn.

Kalka claims she asked another student to call security as the officer continued to berate her and make offensive comments and that when a college security officer arrived he was cordial with the deputy and failed to make a complete assessment of the situation. The plaintiff claims she later met with the officer and officials at Our Lady of Holy Cross College and her concerns were disregarded.

The plaintiff also asserts she filed a complaint with the Internal Affairs Division of the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office. The filing states Deputy Andry was suspended for 10 days after being found to be in violation of rules in the incident in regards to courtesy, intimidation, professionalism and adhering to the law.

An unspecified amount in damages is being sought for pain and suffering, mental anguish and emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages and medical expenses.

Kalka is being represented by New Orleans-based attorneys Christian M. Cormada and Claude J. Kelly.

The case has been assigned to Division F Judge Christopher J. Bruno.

Case number 2012-01021