Indiana Judge Dismisses Former Deputy’s Taser Lawsuit

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit by a former central Indiana sheriff’s deputy fired for refusing to be shocked with a Taser gun as part of his mandatory training.

Ray Robert had sought reinstatement, back wages and punitive damages from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department. His lawsuit contends he was wrongly fired and that a back condition led him to refuse training that included a one- to five-second jolt from the stun gun.

But U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson disagreed. She ruled that Taser exposure does not result in long-term damage and teaches deputies firsthand about a device “that might otherwise be abused.” Hamilton County requires all deputies to carry Tasers.

Robert’s attorney told The Indianapolis Star he will appeal the ruling.