A private investigator has filed a lawsuit alleging civil rights violations following his arrest in Louisiana. Jody Shane Clavier, the plaintiff, filed the complaint on February 12, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana against Dale Thibodeaux, Chief of Police for Church Point Police Department, and the Town of Church Point.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on February 13, 2024, when Clavier was conducting an investigation in Church Point, Louisiana. According to the complaint, while parked on Francois Street observing a suspect's activity, Clavier was approached by local residents and later by police officers who questioned his presence. Despite presenting his private investigator credentials to Officer Nicole Price and subsequently to Chief Thibodeaux, Clavier was arrested after refusing to provide his driver's license. The complaint alleges that excessive force was used during the arrest and that Clavier's personal property—including a weapon and surveillance equipment—was unlawfully seized and not returned promptly.
Clavier claims his arrest lacked probable cause and violated his Fourth Amendment rights. He further accuses Chief Thibodeaux of using unnecessary force during the arrest process, causing him physical pain and emotional distress. The lawsuit also charges that the Town of Church Point failed to properly train its officers or establish adequate policies regarding arrests based on suspicion of criminal activity.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages for emotional trauma, loss of freedom, property deprivation without due process, as well as punitive damages against defendants sued in their individual capacities. Additionally, he requests reimbursement for legal costs and attorney's fees under federal civil rights statutes.
Representing Jody Shane Clavier is attorney J. Clay LeJeune from LeJeune & Associates. The case is identified as Case No. 6:25-cv-00178 with proceedings overseen by judges at the Western District of Louisiana court.