Edgar Co. (ECWd) –
Once again we see Dee Burgin’s name in a Federal Court docket for alleged violations of a person’s civil rights. With that, it also brings into it the Sheriff and the County.
“Plaintiff, ROBERT FULLERTON, by and through his attorney, brings this action against Defendants, DEE BURGIN, individually, JEFF D. WOOD, in his official capacity as Sheriff of Edgar County and the COUNTY OF EDGAR seeking to recover damages for violation of his Constitutional Rights and for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, Battery and Negligence in the Alternative.”
In a seven-count complaint filed on August 24, 2016, in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, Fullerton alleges False Arrest, Excessive Force, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, Battery, and Negligence against Burgin, names Sheriff Jeff Wood since he employs Burgin, and names Edgar County since they are obligated to pay any judgments entered.
According to the Complaint, this stems from an incident on July 18, 2016 where Fullerton’s son had been involved in a one-vehicle accident, with Fullerton and Burgin arriving on scene. Fullerton demanded a police report be written up so that his insurance company would pay the claim, Burgin refused. On continued insistence of a police report, Burgin handcuffed Fullerton and placed him into the Sheriff’s police vehicle. Fullerton claims injuries and that Burgin intentionally placed the handcuffs on too tight causing those injuries. Fullerton was able to dial 911 from his cell phone and asked for an additional officer to be dispatched. None arrived.
As the tips continue to stream in on this particular deputy, it’s no surprise to see this type of lawsuit brought forward. For those not familiar with Deputy Dee Burgin and the financial burden he has been to this county you can review that information below.
We have requested copies from the Sheriff’s Department of any audio or video of the incident and will provide an update should we receive them.
You can view the actual court record below or download it.
[gview file=”https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Fullerton-v-Burgin-et-al-Complaint.pdf”]