Complaint (Filed Copy)
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
Lorona, Steiner, Ducar & Horowitz, Ltd. 3003 North Central Avenue, Suite 1800 Phoenix, Arizona 85012-2909 Telephone: (602) 277-3000 Facsimile: (602) 277-7478 Jess A. Lorona, #009186 Gregory E. McClure, #022587 Attorneys for Plaintiff IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA Glen R. Scotti, an individual, Plaintiff, vs. City of Phoenix, a political subdivision of the State of Arizona; City of Phoenix Police Department, an Arizona law enforcement agency; Jack Harris and Jane Doe Harris, husband and wife; Mary Freund and John Doe Freund, husband and wife; Christina Gonzalez and John Doe Gonzalez, husband and wife; David Sampson and Jane Doe Sampson, husband and wife; Sandra Renteria and John Doe Renteria, husband and wife. Defendants. Case No. CV09-1264-PHX COMPLAINT
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LORONA, STEINER, DUCAR & HOROWITZ, LTD.
Plaintiff, Glen R. Scotti, by and through his counsel undersigned, hereby alleges as follows for his Complaint against Defendants: PARTIES AND JURISDICTION Plaintiff, Glen R. Scotti (“Mr. Scotti”), is, at all times relevant, a resident
of Maricopa County, Arizona.
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
2.
Defendant, City of Phoenix, is, at all times relevant, a political
subdivision of the State of Arizona, located in Maricopa County, Arizona. 3. Defendant City of Phoenix Police Department is at all times relevant to
this Complaint, an Arizona law enforcement agency, located in Maricopa County, Arizona. 4. Defendants, Jack Harris (“Chief Harris”) and Jane Doe Harris, are, at all
times relevant, husband and wife residing in Maricopa County, Arizona. Defendant Jack Harris holds the position of Chief of Police in and for the City of Phoenix. All actions taken by Defendant Jack Harris were on behalf of the marital community. 5. Defendants, Mary Freund (“Detective Freund”) and John Doe Freund,
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are, at all times relevant, husband and wife residing in Maricopa County, Arizona. At 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Detective in and for the City of Phoenix Police Department in the Family 21 22 23 24 25 Investigations Bureau. Upon information and belief, Defendant Christina Gonzalez has since been promoted to Lieutenant. All actions taken by Defendant Christina Gonzalez were on behalf of the marital community. all times relevant, Defendant Mary Freund held the position of detective in and for the City of Phoenix Police Department in the Family Investigations Bureau. All actions taken by Defendant Mary Freund were on behalf of the marital community. 6. Defendants, Christina Gonzalez (“Lieutenant Gonzalez”) and John Doe
Gonzalez, are, at all times relevant, husband and wife residing in Maricopa County, Arizona. At all times relevant, Defendant Christina Gonzalez held the position of
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
7.
Defendants, David Sampson (“Detective Sampson”) and Jane Doe
Sampson, are, at all times relevant, husband and wife residing in Maricopa County, Arizona. At all times relevant, Defendant David Sampson held the position of Detective in and for the City of Phoenix Police Department in the Family Investigations Bureau. All actions taken by Defendant David Sampson were on behalf of the marital community. 8. Defendants, Sandra Renteria (“Commander Renteria”) and John Doe
Renteria, are, at all times relevant, husband and wife residing in Maricopa County, Arizona. At all times relevant, Defendant Sandra Renteria held the position of Lieutenant in and for the City of Phoenix Police Department in the Family Investigations Bureau. Upon information and belief, Defendant Sandra Renteria has
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since been promoted to Commander. All actions taken by Defendant Sandra Renteria were on behalf of the marital community. 9. 10. Subject matter jurisdiction is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391, venue is proper in this Court. GENERAL ALLEGATIONS 11. Plaintiff incorporates each and every allegation set forth above as if fully
set forth herein. 21 22 23 24 25 12. On or about May 29, 2007, at approximately 6:57 a.m., nearly a dozen
Phoenix Police Officers stormed the home of Plaintiff. Plaintiff is a former law enforcement officer with no prior history of criminal activity. Officers used a
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
battering ram to break down the front door and exerted excessive and unreasonable force on the person of Plaintiff. 13. The search warrant executed on the morning of May 29, 2007 was
willfully and intentionally procured through the use of false and fabricated evidence by Defendants Freund and Gonzalez. 14. Defendant Freund had befriended an alleged victim in a domestic
violence investigation named Kimberly Lewis (“Lewis”). Defendant Freund first met Lewis in approximately March of 2002. At that time, Lewis was embroiled in a divorce proceeding with her former husband Andrew Rehkow (“Rehkow”). Upon
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information and belief, throughout the course of the dissolution proceedings, Lewis made a multitude of false accusations of alleged criminal activity by Rehkow. These
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 personally and emotionally involved in with Lewis. 21 22 23 24 25 granddaughter began taking classes at Lewis’ dance studio, purchased a one page ad for her granddaughter in a dance recital brochure that Lewis produced and worked hand in hand with Lewis’ attorney in the family court case to procure testimony from a psychologist claiming that Rehkow was mentally ill and could kill at any time. Defendant Freund’s accusations led to an ongoing criminal investigation against Rehkow that began in March of 2002 and continued for a number of years. Throughout that time period, Defendant Freund remained the lead investigator for the Rehkow investigation. 15. From March of 2002 through June of 2007, Defendant Freund served as
a personal confidant and friend to Lewis while purportedly investigating Rehkow for criminal violations. Upon information and belief, Defendant Freund became
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
16.
Defendant Freund’s dealings with Lewis went well beyond the scope of
her duties as a City of Phoenix Police Officer. 17. Additionally, Defendant Freund intentionally and willfully circumvented
City of Phoenix policies regarding the recording of conversations with alleged domestic violence victims. conversations with Lewis. 18. Sometime prior to May 29, 2007, Rehkow hired Plaintiff to perform Further, Defendant Gonzalez also failed to record
private investigative work. 19. Part of that investigative work included some investigation into Lewis
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regarding the family court proceeding. 20. Defendant Freund, for some unknown reason, believed that Plaintiff’s
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 course of conduct which caused Lewis to fear her own death or the death of an 21 22 23 24 25 immediate family member. 22. At the time that the events allegedly occurred, Plaintiff was gainfully involvement was criminal. Defendant Freund accused Plaintiff of being an accessory in fact to aggravated harassment of Lewis committed by Rehkow. 21. In an On or about June 12, 2007, the 420th Grand Jury in Maricopa
County, Arizona, handed down an indictment charging Plantiff with one count of Stalking, a class 3 felony. The State alleged that between the dates of December 18, 2006 and May 30, 3007, Plaintiff acted as an accomplice to Rehkow and engaged in a
employed as licensed private investigator after having retired from his position as an Adult Probation Officer with the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department.
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
23.
Although the State alleged that Plaintiff assisted Rehkow in harassing
Lewis, Rehkow’s charges stemmed from events alleged to have occurred over four (4) years before Plaintiff started working for Rehkow. 24. To secure the grand jury indictment against Plaintiff, Detective Sampson
appeared and testified before the grand jury. Detective Sampson testified consistently with the reports prepared and submitted by Defendant Freund. 25. During the course of the criminal proceedings it was determined that the
summaries and statements included in the reports prepared by Defendant Freund were factually inaccurate and contained false and fraudulent statements and evidence. 26. Additionally, Defendant Freund’s reports intentionally omitted
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exculpatory evidence. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 as it did not seek to obtain a second indictment or other probable cause determination 21 22 23 24 25 against Plaintiff. 29. On or about December 18, 2008, the charges against Plaintiff were 27. Upon information and belief, Defendant Freund’s supervisors, as each
named as Defendants herein, were aware of her actions and helped perpetuate the introduction of false evidence and the malicious prosecution of Plaintiff. 28. In a Minute Entry dated August, 5, 2008, the trial court issued a ruling
that as a matter of fact and law that the facts as presented to the grand Jury were false and were not sufficient to establish probable cause. The State agreed with the Court
dismissed with prejudice. 30. Plaintiff requests a jury trial in this matter.
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COUNT ONE VIOLATION OF 42 U.S.C. § 1983-MALICIOUS PROSECUTION 31. forth herein. 32. The Defendants are individuals, entities and municipalities acting under Plaintiff incorporates each and every allegation above as it fully set
color of state law. 33. The Defendants, individually and collectively, contributed to the
presentation of false and fraudulent evidence and testimony to the Maricopa County 9
ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
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Grand Jury, on or about June 12, 2007. 34. The presentation of said evidence led to the issuance of a Grand Jury
LORONA, STEINER, DUCAR & HOROWITZ, LTD.
Indictment against Mr. Scotti. 35. By participating in the investigation and presentation of false evidence
to the Grand Jury, the Defendants deprived Mr. Scotti of his substantive due process rights to a fair and impartial presentation of evidence for determination of probable cause and violations of Plaintiffs First, Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 therefore, punitive damages are appropriate. 36. In doing so, the Defendants participated and assisted in the prosecution
of Mr. Scotti with malice and without probable cause and in doing so deprived Mr. Scotti of his constitutional rights. 37. As a result of Defendants’ conduct, Mr. Scotti incurred financial,
economic, emotional and other damages in an amount to be proven at trial. 38. The actions of the Defendants were entered into with an evil mind and
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COUNT TWO MALICIOUS PROSECUTION The Plaintiff incorporates each and every allegation set forth above as if
more fully set forth herein. 40. The Defendants, by conduct, participation or knowledge, initiated or
help institute a criminal prosecution against Mr. Scotti. 41. The criminal prosecution terminated in Mr. Scotti’s favor when the
Court decided as a matter of fact and law that the facts as presented were not sufficient 9
ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
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to establish probable cause. Obviously, the State agreed with the Court as it did not seek to obtain an indictment or other probable cause determination against Mr. Scotti. 42. On or about December 18, 2008, the charges against Mr. Scotti were
LORONA, STEINER, DUCAR & HOROWITZ, LTD.
dismissed with prejudice. 43. Each of the Defendants contributed to the investigation and prosecution
of Mr. Scotti in some way. 44. Each and every Defendant’s actions were with malice and lacked
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 46. probable cause. 45. As a result of Defendants’ actions, Mr. Scotti suffered significant
financial, emotional, and personal injuries. COUNT THREE GROSS NEGLIGENCE The plaintiff incorporates each and every allegation set forth above as
more fully set forth herein.
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
47.
The Defendants, as entities and individuals charged with enforcement of
the laws and investigations of criminal acts, owed a duty to Mr. Scotti to conduct their investigation into allegations of stalking committed by Mr. Scotti pursuant to the applicable standard of care for law enforcement officers. 48. Defendants conduct deviated from the duty and standard of care required
of police officers by relying on false or fraudulent information to secure a grand jury indictment against Mr. Scotti and the subsequent use of that information as a basis for criminal prosecution of Mr. Scotti. 49. As a result of Defendants’ conduct, Mr. Scotti has been incurred
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damages in an amount to be proven at trial. COUNT FOUR INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS 50. Plaintiff incorporates each and every allegation set forth above as if fully
set forth herein. 51. Defendants intentional use of false and fraudulent evidence and
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 testimony to obtain a Grand Jury Indictment against Mr. Scotti rises to the level of “extreme and outrageous” conduct as to warrant recovery on the basis of intentional infliction of emotional distress. 52. Defendants knew or had reason to know that the evidence presented to
the grand jury was fraudulent yet, despite this fact, they intentionally and recklessly used the false evidence to obtain a Grand Jury Indictment.
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53.
As a direct and proximate result of Defendants actions, Mr. Scotti
suffered severe emotional distress. COUNT FIVE NEGLIGENT INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS 54. Plaintiff incorporates each and every allegation set forth above as if fully
set forth herein. 55. Defendants collection and use of false and fraudulent evidence and
testimony to obtain a Grand Jury Indictment against Mr. Scotti subjected Mr. Scotti to 9
ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
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an unreasonable risk of harm. 56. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ actions, Mr. Scotti
LORONA, STEINER, DUCAR & HOROWITZ, LTD.
suffered severe emotional and physical distress. Further, Mr. Scotti continues to experience mental pain and suffering. COUNT SIX DEFAMATION OF CHARACTER 57. Plaintiff incorporates each and every allegation set forth above as if fully
set forth herein. 58. Defendants published and rendered various written statements
concerning Mr. Scotti, his propensity to commit a stalking offense, veracity and professional and personal character.
21 22 23 24 25 59. Material defamatory of the personal, professional, business reputation
and capabilities of Mr. Scotti was and is contained in the police report and grand jury testimony. Such statements were contrary to the truth and contrary to the information
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
available to Defendants prior to submitting and publishing the police report and testimony before the grand jury. 60. The false, defamatory, and misleading statements made by and on behalf
of Defendants concerning the reputation and personal character of Mr. Scotti, were made maliciously and with intent to injure and damage Mr. Scotti. The statements concerning Mr. Scotti are wholly false and were not protected expressions of opinion. 61. As a direct and proximate result of the conduct of Defendants, Mr. Scotti
has been hampered in his pursuit of employment and has been and will be permanently and irretrievably damaged in his professional career. Mr. Scotti has suffered and will continue to suffer a permanent impairment of his capacity to earn a living. In the future, Mr. Scotti will be barred and prevented from securing
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comparable employment and therefore, will sustain a loss of future income in amounts that cannot presently be determined. Such full amount will be determined at trial. 62. As a further direct and proximate result of the conduct by Defendants,
including publication of false, misleading, and defamatory statements, Mr. Scotti has suffered and in the future will continue to suffer serious and irreparable personal inconvenience, mental anguish and distress. Such full amount will be determined at trial.
21 22 23 24 25 WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays for Judgment against Defendants, and each of them, as follows: A. For compensatory damages, plus special and incidental damages in such
a sum as may be proven at trial;
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
B. C. D. E.
For punitive damages in an amount to be proven at trial; For costs for the suit; For attorney’s fees; and For other such relief as this Court deems just and proper.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED this 11th day of June, 2009. LORONA, STEINER, DUCAR & HOROWITZ, LTD.
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LORONA, STEINER, DUCAR & HOROWITZ, LTD.
BY: /s/ Jess A. Lorona Jess A. Lorona, Esq. Gregory E. McClure, Esq. Attorneys for Plaintiff
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
Lorona, Steiner, Ducar & Horowitz, Ltd. 3003 North Central Avenue, Suite 1800 Phoenix, Arizona 85012-2909 Telephone: (602) 277-3000 Facsimile: (602) 277-7478 Jess A. Lorona, #009186 Gregory E. McClure, #022587 Attorneys for Plaintiff IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA Glen R. Scotti, an individual, Plaintiff, vs. City of Phoenix, a political subdivision of the State of Arizona; City of Phoenix Police Department, an Arizona law enforcement agency; Jack Harris and Jane Doe Harris, husband and wife; Mary Freund and John Doe Freund, husband and wife; Christina Gonzalez and John Doe Gonzalez, husband and wife; David Sampson and Jane Doe Sampson, husband and wife; Sandra Renteria and John Doe Renteria, husband and wife. Defendants. Case No. CV09-1264-PHX COMPLAINT
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Plaintiff, Glen R. Scotti, by and through his counsel undersigned, hereby alleges as follows for his Complaint against Defendants: PARTIES AND JURISDICTION Plaintiff, Glen R. Scotti (“Mr. Scotti”), is, at all times relevant, a resident
of Maricopa County, Arizona.
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
2.
Defendant, City of Phoenix, is, at all times relevant, a political
subdivision of the State of Arizona, located in Maricopa County, Arizona. 3. Defendant City of Phoenix Police Department is at all times relevant to
this Complaint, an Arizona law enforcement agency, located in Maricopa County, Arizona. 4. Defendants, Jack Harris (“Chief Harris”) and Jane Doe Harris, are, at all
times relevant, husband and wife residing in Maricopa County, Arizona. Defendant Jack Harris holds the position of Chief of Police in and for the City of Phoenix. All actions taken by Defendant Jack Harris were on behalf of the marital community. 5. Defendants, Mary Freund (“Detective Freund”) and John Doe Freund,
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are, at all times relevant, husband and wife residing in Maricopa County, Arizona. At 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Detective in and for the City of Phoenix Police Department in the Family 21 22 23 24 25 Investigations Bureau. Upon information and belief, Defendant Christina Gonzalez has since been promoted to Lieutenant. All actions taken by Defendant Christina Gonzalez were on behalf of the marital community. all times relevant, Defendant Mary Freund held the position of detective in and for the City of Phoenix Police Department in the Family Investigations Bureau. All actions taken by Defendant Mary Freund were on behalf of the marital community. 6. Defendants, Christina Gonzalez (“Lieutenant Gonzalez”) and John Doe
Gonzalez, are, at all times relevant, husband and wife residing in Maricopa County, Arizona. At all times relevant, Defendant Christina Gonzalez held the position of
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
7.
Defendants, David Sampson (“Detective Sampson”) and Jane Doe
Sampson, are, at all times relevant, husband and wife residing in Maricopa County, Arizona. At all times relevant, Defendant David Sampson held the position of Detective in and for the City of Phoenix Police Department in the Family Investigations Bureau. All actions taken by Defendant David Sampson were on behalf of the marital community. 8. Defendants, Sandra Renteria (“Commander Renteria”) and John Doe
Renteria, are, at all times relevant, husband and wife residing in Maricopa County, Arizona. At all times relevant, Defendant Sandra Renteria held the position of Lieutenant in and for the City of Phoenix Police Department in the Family Investigations Bureau. Upon information and belief, Defendant Sandra Renteria has
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since been promoted to Commander. All actions taken by Defendant Sandra Renteria were on behalf of the marital community. 9. 10. Subject matter jurisdiction is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391, venue is proper in this Court. GENERAL ALLEGATIONS 11. Plaintiff incorporates each and every allegation set forth above as if fully
set forth herein. 21 22 23 24 25 12. On or about May 29, 2007, at approximately 6:57 a.m., nearly a dozen
Phoenix Police Officers stormed the home of Plaintiff. Plaintiff is a former law enforcement officer with no prior history of criminal activity. Officers used a
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
battering ram to break down the front door and exerted excessive and unreasonable force on the person of Plaintiff. 13. The search warrant executed on the morning of May 29, 2007 was
willfully and intentionally procured through the use of false and fabricated evidence by Defendants Freund and Gonzalez. 14. Defendant Freund had befriended an alleged victim in a domestic
violence investigation named Kimberly Lewis (“Lewis”). Defendant Freund first met Lewis in approximately March of 2002. At that time, Lewis was embroiled in a divorce proceeding with her former husband Andrew Rehkow (“Rehkow”). Upon
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information and belief, throughout the course of the dissolution proceedings, Lewis made a multitude of false accusations of alleged criminal activity by Rehkow. These
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 personally and emotionally involved in with Lewis. 21 22 23 24 25 granddaughter began taking classes at Lewis’ dance studio, purchased a one page ad for her granddaughter in a dance recital brochure that Lewis produced and worked hand in hand with Lewis’ attorney in the family court case to procure testimony from a psychologist claiming that Rehkow was mentally ill and could kill at any time. Defendant Freund’s accusations led to an ongoing criminal investigation against Rehkow that began in March of 2002 and continued for a number of years. Throughout that time period, Defendant Freund remained the lead investigator for the Rehkow investigation. 15. From March of 2002 through June of 2007, Defendant Freund served as
a personal confidant and friend to Lewis while purportedly investigating Rehkow for criminal violations. Upon information and belief, Defendant Freund became
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
16.
Defendant Freund’s dealings with Lewis went well beyond the scope of
her duties as a City of Phoenix Police Officer. 17. Additionally, Defendant Freund intentionally and willfully circumvented
City of Phoenix policies regarding the recording of conversations with alleged domestic violence victims. conversations with Lewis. 18. Sometime prior to May 29, 2007, Rehkow hired Plaintiff to perform Further, Defendant Gonzalez also failed to record
private investigative work. 19. Part of that investigative work included some investigation into Lewis
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regarding the family court proceeding. 20. Defendant Freund, for some unknown reason, believed that Plaintiff’s
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 course of conduct which caused Lewis to fear her own death or the death of an 21 22 23 24 25 immediate family member. 22. At the time that the events allegedly occurred, Plaintiff was gainfully involvement was criminal. Defendant Freund accused Plaintiff of being an accessory in fact to aggravated harassment of Lewis committed by Rehkow. 21. In an On or about June 12, 2007, the 420th Grand Jury in Maricopa
County, Arizona, handed down an indictment charging Plantiff with one count of Stalking, a class 3 felony. The State alleged that between the dates of December 18, 2006 and May 30, 3007, Plaintiff acted as an accomplice to Rehkow and engaged in a
employed as licensed private investigator after having retired from his position as an Adult Probation Officer with the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department.
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
23.
Although the State alleged that Plaintiff assisted Rehkow in harassing
Lewis, Rehkow’s charges stemmed from events alleged to have occurred over four (4) years before Plaintiff started working for Rehkow. 24. To secure the grand jury indictment against Plaintiff, Detective Sampson
appeared and testified before the grand jury. Detective Sampson testified consistently with the reports prepared and submitted by Defendant Freund. 25. During the course of the criminal proceedings it was determined that the
summaries and statements included in the reports prepared by Defendant Freund were factually inaccurate and contained false and fraudulent statements and evidence. 26. Additionally, Defendant Freund’s reports intentionally omitted
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exculpatory evidence. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 as it did not seek to obtain a second indictment or other probable cause determination 21 22 23 24 25 against Plaintiff. 29. On or about December 18, 2008, the charges against Plaintiff were 27. Upon information and belief, Defendant Freund’s supervisors, as each
named as Defendants herein, were aware of her actions and helped perpetuate the introduction of false evidence and the malicious prosecution of Plaintiff. 28. In a Minute Entry dated August, 5, 2008, the trial court issued a ruling
that as a matter of fact and law that the facts as presented to the grand Jury were false and were not sufficient to establish probable cause. The State agreed with the Court
dismissed with prejudice. 30. Plaintiff requests a jury trial in this matter.
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COUNT ONE VIOLATION OF 42 U.S.C. § 1983-MALICIOUS PROSECUTION 31. forth herein. 32. The Defendants are individuals, entities and municipalities acting under Plaintiff incorporates each and every allegation above as it fully set
color of state law. 33. The Defendants, individually and collectively, contributed to the
presentation of false and fraudulent evidence and testimony to the Maricopa County 9
ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
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Grand Jury, on or about June 12, 2007. 34. The presentation of said evidence led to the issuance of a Grand Jury
LORONA, STEINER, DUCAR & HOROWITZ, LTD.
Indictment against Mr. Scotti. 35. By participating in the investigation and presentation of false evidence
to the Grand Jury, the Defendants deprived Mr. Scotti of his substantive due process rights to a fair and impartial presentation of evidence for determination of probable cause and violations of Plaintiffs First, Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 therefore, punitive damages are appropriate. 36. In doing so, the Defendants participated and assisted in the prosecution
of Mr. Scotti with malice and without probable cause and in doing so deprived Mr. Scotti of his constitutional rights. 37. As a result of Defendants’ conduct, Mr. Scotti incurred financial,
economic, emotional and other damages in an amount to be proven at trial. 38. The actions of the Defendants were entered into with an evil mind and
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COUNT TWO MALICIOUS PROSECUTION The Plaintiff incorporates each and every allegation set forth above as if
more fully set forth herein. 40. The Defendants, by conduct, participation or knowledge, initiated or
help institute a criminal prosecution against Mr. Scotti. 41. The criminal prosecution terminated in Mr. Scotti’s favor when the
Court decided as a matter of fact and law that the facts as presented were not sufficient 9
ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
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to establish probable cause. Obviously, the State agreed with the Court as it did not seek to obtain an indictment or other probable cause determination against Mr. Scotti. 42. On or about December 18, 2008, the charges against Mr. Scotti were
LORONA, STEINER, DUCAR & HOROWITZ, LTD.
dismissed with prejudice. 43. Each of the Defendants contributed to the investigation and prosecution
of Mr. Scotti in some way. 44. Each and every Defendant’s actions were with malice and lacked
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 46. probable cause. 45. As a result of Defendants’ actions, Mr. Scotti suffered significant
financial, emotional, and personal injuries. COUNT THREE GROSS NEGLIGENCE The plaintiff incorporates each and every allegation set forth above as
more fully set forth herein.
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
47.
The Defendants, as entities and individuals charged with enforcement of
the laws and investigations of criminal acts, owed a duty to Mr. Scotti to conduct their investigation into allegations of stalking committed by Mr. Scotti pursuant to the applicable standard of care for law enforcement officers. 48. Defendants conduct deviated from the duty and standard of care required
of police officers by relying on false or fraudulent information to secure a grand jury indictment against Mr. Scotti and the subsequent use of that information as a basis for criminal prosecution of Mr. Scotti. 49. As a result of Defendants’ conduct, Mr. Scotti has been incurred
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LORONA, STEINER, DUCAR & HOROWITZ, LTD.
damages in an amount to be proven at trial. COUNT FOUR INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS 50. Plaintiff incorporates each and every allegation set forth above as if fully
set forth herein. 51. Defendants intentional use of false and fraudulent evidence and
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 testimony to obtain a Grand Jury Indictment against Mr. Scotti rises to the level of “extreme and outrageous” conduct as to warrant recovery on the basis of intentional infliction of emotional distress. 52. Defendants knew or had reason to know that the evidence presented to
the grand jury was fraudulent yet, despite this fact, they intentionally and recklessly used the false evidence to obtain a Grand Jury Indictment.
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53.
As a direct and proximate result of Defendants actions, Mr. Scotti
suffered severe emotional distress. COUNT FIVE NEGLIGENT INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS 54. Plaintiff incorporates each and every allegation set forth above as if fully
set forth herein. 55. Defendants collection and use of false and fraudulent evidence and
testimony to obtain a Grand Jury Indictment against Mr. Scotti subjected Mr. Scotti to 9
ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
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an unreasonable risk of harm. 56. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ actions, Mr. Scotti
LORONA, STEINER, DUCAR & HOROWITZ, LTD.
suffered severe emotional and physical distress. Further, Mr. Scotti continues to experience mental pain and suffering. COUNT SIX DEFAMATION OF CHARACTER 57. Plaintiff incorporates each and every allegation set forth above as if fully
set forth herein. 58. Defendants published and rendered various written statements
concerning Mr. Scotti, his propensity to commit a stalking offense, veracity and professional and personal character.
21 22 23 24 25 59. Material defamatory of the personal, professional, business reputation
and capabilities of Mr. Scotti was and is contained in the police report and grand jury testimony. Such statements were contrary to the truth and contrary to the information
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
available to Defendants prior to submitting and publishing the police report and testimony before the grand jury. 60. The false, defamatory, and misleading statements made by and on behalf
of Defendants concerning the reputation and personal character of Mr. Scotti, were made maliciously and with intent to injure and damage Mr. Scotti. The statements concerning Mr. Scotti are wholly false and were not protected expressions of opinion. 61. As a direct and proximate result of the conduct of Defendants, Mr. Scotti
has been hampered in his pursuit of employment and has been and will be permanently and irretrievably damaged in his professional career. Mr. Scotti has suffered and will continue to suffer a permanent impairment of his capacity to earn a living. In the future, Mr. Scotti will be barred and prevented from securing
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LORONA, STEINER, DUCAR & HOROWITZ, LTD.
comparable employment and therefore, will sustain a loss of future income in amounts that cannot presently be determined. Such full amount will be determined at trial. 62. As a further direct and proximate result of the conduct by Defendants,
including publication of false, misleading, and defamatory statements, Mr. Scotti has suffered and in the future will continue to suffer serious and irreparable personal inconvenience, mental anguish and distress. Such full amount will be determined at trial.
21 22 23 24 25 WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays for Judgment against Defendants, and each of them, as follows: A. For compensatory damages, plus special and incidental damages in such
a sum as may be proven at trial;
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3003 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1800 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012-3909 (602) 277-3000
B. C. D. E.
For punitive damages in an amount to be proven at trial; For costs for the suit; For attorney’s fees; and For other such relief as this Court deems just and proper.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED this 11th day of June, 2009. LORONA, STEINER, DUCAR & HOROWITZ, LTD.
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LORONA, STEINER, DUCAR & HOROWITZ, LTD.
BY: /s/ Jess A. Lorona Jess A. Lorona, Esq. Gregory E. McClure, Esq. Attorneys for Plaintiff
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