A Louisiana resident has filed a federal lawsuit against a local sheriff's office, alleging violations of his civil rights following a violent encounter with deputies. Bobby Rankin lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on March 31, 2025, targeting the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and six unidentified deputies.
The lawsuit stems from an incident that occurred on March 31, 2024, when Rankin went to pick up his younger brother from a party at an Exxon/Brother’s Food Mart in Terrytown, Louisiana. According to the complaint, after engaging in conversation with his brother, Rankin was approached by Deputy Doe 1 without reasonable suspicion or probable cause. The situation escalated when Rankin responded dismissively to the deputy's intention to tow a nearby vehicle. This led to Deputy Doe 1 allegedly slamming Rankin to the ground and Deputies Doe 2-6 joining in what is described as an unprovoked assault involving physical violence and pepper spray.
Rankin claims that he was incapacitated by the attack but continued to be subjected to excessive force until he was left bleeding and bruised. He was subsequently arrested and charged with several offenses including simple assault and resisting an officer. However, these charges were dismissed at a hearing on May 30, 2024, when the District Attorney refused to prosecute.
The plaintiff argues that his Fourth Amendment rights were violated due to unreasonable seizure and excessive force. Furthermore, he contends that his Fifth Amendment rights were breached as his arrest stemmed from exercising his right to remain silent. The lawsuit also accuses the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office of failing to properly train its deputies and fostering an environment where unconstitutional practices are tolerated.
Rankin seeks actual and punitive damages against both the individual deputies involved and the sheriff's office itself. He is also asking for compensation for medical expenses incurred due to injuries sustained during the incident, along with attorney fees and other related costs.
The case highlights serious allegations of police misconduct within Jefferson Parish. Representing Rankin is attorney Alistair A. Adkinson from New Orleans. The case has been assigned Case ID: 2:25-cv-00623 but details regarding judges presiding over it have not been disclosed yet.