Ocean Springs Alderman James Hagan is seeking $30 million in damages over what he alleges was his false arrest and malicious prosecution for sex crimes in 2011.
The Sun Herald reports that Hagan has sued Sheriff Byrd, Jackson County and four detectives and the Mississippi county’s insurance carrier, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America.
Hagan is seeking both punitive and compensatory damages.
Hagan was in November 2011 arrested on charges of embezzlement and molestation but a grand jury declined to indict him. A grand jury did indict Hagan last August on a charge of child exploitation, but prosecutors dismissed the charge in November, citing insufficient evidence.
Byrd says he is ready to defend himself against the lawsuit.
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