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$1,882.80 For Falsely Labeling Prisoner As "Sex Offender"
$1,882.80 For Falsely Labeling Prisoner As "Sex Offender"
On October 27, 1997, Gene Palmer pleaded guilty to the third degree
assault of Timothy Barker. The incident arose when Mr. Barker entered Mr.
Palmer's house without permission and a fight ensued. Mr. Palmer was
incarcerated for the assault until May 9, 1997.
About six weeks before Mr. Palmer's scheduled release date, Kim Piazza and
William Stutz, employees at the Airway Heights Corrections Center, sent
letters to various individuals stating that Mr. Palmer was a sex offender
who was about to be released. The letters referenced "safety concerns"
about Mr. Palmer's impending release. Mr. Palmer has never been convicted
of a sex offense.
On August 12, 1998, Mr. Palmer filed suit in federal district court,
asserting federal civil rights and pendent state law claims. In July,
1999, a jury awarded Palmer $50,000. He ultimately obtained a settlement
in the amount of $1,882.80 in 2000. Mr. Palmer was represented by Seattle
attorney Richard A. Cole. See: Palmer v. State of Washington, et al.,
Cause No. C98-1120-P (W.D. Wash.).
On October 27, 1997, Gene Palmer pleaded guilty to the third degree
assault of Timothy Barker. The incident arose when Mr. Barker entered Mr.
Palmer's house without permission and a fight ensued. Mr. Palmer was
incarcerated for the assault until May 9, 1997.
About six weeks before Mr. Palmer's scheduled release date, Kim Piazza and
William Stutz, employees at the Airway Heights Corrections Center, sent
letters to various individuals stating that Mr. Palmer was a sex offender
who was about to be released. The letters referenced "safety concerns"
about Mr. Palmer's impending release. Mr. Palmer has never been convicted
of a sex offense.
On August 12, 1998, Mr. Palmer filed suit in federal district court,
asserting federal civil rights and pendent state law claims. In July,
1999, a jury awarded Palmer $50,000. He ultimately obtained a settlement
in the amount of $1,882.80 in 2000. Mr. Palmer was represented by Seattle
attorney Richard A. Cole. See: Palmer v. State of Washington, et al.,
Cause No. C98-1120-P (W.D. Wash.).
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Related legal case
Palmer v. State of Washington
| Year | 2000 |
|---|---|
| Cite | Case No. C98-1120-P (W.D. Wash.). |
| Level | District Court |
| Conclusion | Settlement |
| Attorney Fees | 0 |
| Damages | 1883 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |
no case text.