The Salt Lake Tribune reports that a class-action lawsuit has been filed against a former Corporal with the Utah Highway Patrol and other troopers for wrongful arrests and DUI charges. Three attorneys are “seeking damages that could total as much as $20 million, as well as an injunction barring enforcement of the alleged unconstitutional policies”, the report says.
The lawsuit accuses former Corporal Lisa Steed of stopping drivers for minor traffic violations, then wrongfully arresting them for driving under the influence in an effort to “make money for the state through fines, fees, and forfeitures levied on those facing false charges.” The report also said that several of those who received wrongful DUI charges have been fired from their jobs because of the allegations.
Dwayne Baird, a spokesman for the Department of Public Safety, said the department had not been served with the lawsuit yet, and will not comment on pending litigation.
