Friday, February 15, 2008

State opens review of man dumped from wheelchair at jail


Florida Attorney General's office is looking into whether the civil rights of a paralyzed man dumped onto a jailhouse floor were violated.

Surveillance video shows a veteran deputy tipping Brian Sterner out of his wheelchair onto the floor of the from the Orient Road Jail after his arrest Jan. 29 on a traffic warrant.

Attorney General Bill McCollum announced a review of the incident Thursday. If his office finds deputies violated Sterner's civil rights, it could sue on his behalf for up to $10,000 per infraction.

Four detention deputies have been suspended because of the incident.

Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee issued a formal apology to Sterner Wednesday. The 32-year-old says he would like to see criminal charges filed.

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