Lawsuit: State Police Violated Man's Civil Rights

The suit names the state, state police, Col. Steven O'Donnell and the two troopers involved in his arrest as defendants.

A Central Falls, Rhode Island, man has filed a lawsuit against the Rhode Island State Police alleging that his civil rights were violated when he was assaulted by a trooper during a February 2014 traffic stop.

The Providence Journal reports Lionel Monsato's federal lawsuit claims that Trooper James Donnelly-Taylor used excessive force by repeatedly punching him during his arrest in Pawtucket on charges that were later dismissed.

Donnelly-Taylor was indicted on simple assault charges and pleaded no contest in June 2014. He was sentenced to perform 25 hours of community service.

The suit names the state, state police, Col. Steven O'Donnell and the two troopers involved in his arrest as defendants.

Monsato is seeking $2.25 million in damages.

The attorney general's office and O'Donnell declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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