Phenix City Man Plans To Sue The County For Alleged Police Brutality

A Russell County man intends to sue the county alleging police brutality. Lewis Martin claims he was physically assaulted after being arrested by a Russell
County Sheriff’s deputy in May at the courthouse. Because of the alleged incident, Martin and his lawyer filed a notice of claim against the Russell County Sheriff’s Department and the county Circuit clerks office. The disabled Vietnam veteran says he was trying to clear up a child support matter. Apparently his name was still in the county computer system for a six year old court date that he missed. Martin says a worker noticed the old case then called a deputy who arrested him then allegedly used excessive force. “He picked me up by the handcuffs and took me down the hall and treated me like a dog. No human being should be treated like I was treated. I was proven guilty before I could prove myself innocent. It seems these days your guilty until your proven innocent” Martin said. Russell County Sheriff Tommy Boswell and Circuit Clerk Cathy Coulter did not want to talk about the allegations on camera. Russell county attorney kenneth funderburk says the notice of claim against the sheriff and circuit clerk has been sent to an insurance firm in Montgomery. Funderburk says this is standard procedure whenever county offices face legal action. Sheriff Boswell says his office has been sued 98 times since he’s been sheriff. Boswell adds he’s only lost twice.