Macomb County to Pay $250,000 to Former Sergeant Following Retaliation Verdict

Detroit, MI – A former Macomb County Sheriff’s sergeant, James Stanley, will soon receive a $250,000 payout following a decision by a federal appeals court. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati upheld the jury’s verdict that Stanley’s First Amendment right to freedom of speech had been violated through retaliation stemming from his support for a political opponent of Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. The conflict dates back to the 2012 election when Stanley supported Wickersham’s rival. This led to a series of punitive measures against Stanley, culminating in his demotion. Although an arbitrator later reversed … Read more

Federal Jury Awards $20,001 in Excessive Force Lawsuit Against Macomb County Jail

Mount Clemens, Michigan – A federal jury awarded $20,001 to a man who accused corrections officers at Macomb County Jail of using excessive force against him in 2018. Brian P. Hyde, 42, sought $34 million in damages but was ultimately awarded $20,000 in punitive damages and $1 for pain and suffering. The jury unanimously found that three out of five deputies involved in the incident committed excessive force. Hyde alleged that on July 14, 2018, he was blindfolded, bound, and had a bag placed over his head by corrections deputies. He claimed that he was … Read more