BENTLEYVILLE, Pa. – The Pennsylvania State Police will pay $250,000 to a woman from Bentleyville who alleged that a trooper subjected her to a strip search during a traffic stop in 2021. The settlement was disclosed in a federal lawsuit agreement earlier this year.
Holly Elish, the plaintiff, filed the lawsuit against State Trooper Brian Rousseau, accusing him of unlawfully pulling her over and conducting a strip search on May 27, 2021, near Washington. The lawsuit also implicated North Strabane police Sgt. Abigail France, who allegedly performed the search at Rousseau’s request.
According to the lawsuit, Rousseau followed Elish’s vehicle for several miles on Interstate 70 before initiating the traffic stop on grounds of a “minor traffic violation.” After searching her car and finding nothing, Rousseau compelled Elish to undergo a full body search by France, who was called to the scene. The search was only halted when France became uncomfortable with the situation.
Although Elish received a traffic citation for driving slightly over the speed limit, the case against her was dismissed when Rousseau failed to appear for her hearing. Her attorney, Alec Wright, subsequently filed a federal lawsuit claiming that Elish suffered humiliation, mental anguish, and a violation of her Fourth Amendment rights.
The settlement, which became public through an open records request, was reached on February 13 pursuant to a court order by Senior U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti in Pittsburgh. The agreement states that it does not constitute an admission of liability or fault on behalf of the defendants. Additionally, the $250,000 payment encompasses Elish’s attorney’s fees.
As of now, it is unclear whether Rousseau faced any disciplinary action in connection to the incident. Neither Wright nor a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania State Police provided comment on the settlement.
The case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding law enforcement practices and individual rights. The strip search of Elish, in the absence of evidence or probable cause, raises questions about the balance between security measures and personal liberties. The settlement, while providing compensation to the plaintiff, leaves open the possibility for further discussions on policing practices and the protection of citizens’ rights.