Steiger files suit against 7 MSP and HUNT officials

by Richard Lamb

Advance Editor

Two lawsuits involving county and area law enforcement officials are making their way through the court system. The latest is a 17-page complaint filed last week by Presque Isle County prosecuting attorney Rick Steiger, acting as an individual and not in his official capacity, against seven officers of the Michigan State Police (MSP) and Huron Undercover Narcotics Team (HUNT) members. The suit was filed in United States District Court (USDC) in Bay City Oct. 27.

The other is a suit filed Aug. 4 by former inmate Joan Burgess of Onaway against Presque Isle County and former corrections officer Richard Hanson. Also filed in USDC, Burgess seeks damages in excess of $75,000 for alleged violations of her civil rights while she was incarcerated in the Presque Isle County Jail.

The complaint states Hanson, while acting as an employee of the Presque Isle County Sheriff’s Department, “breached his duty by acting indifferently or grossly negligent without regard to Burgess’ rights and welfare.”

Hanson’s attorney answered with reasons why the allegations should be ruled to be false.

The county is named in the suit for “failing to supervise its officers and/or employees so as to prevent violation of inmates’ constitutional rights,” the complaint states, and for “failing to protect inmates from unprovoked attacks by officers,” among other allegations.

The complaint details specific instances relating to the allegations.

Steiger’s attorneys, Christopher Trainor and Associates, who also are representing Burgess in the separate suit, filed the complaint and jury demand last week in United States District Court, Eastern Division seeking damages on five counts.

The choice of attorneys may be only coincidental, Steiger said.