BENITA Y. PEARSON, District Judge.
I. Background.....................................................................964
A. The Burglary...............................................................964
B. The Investigation of Plaintiff.............................................965
1. The Photo Line-Up......................................................965
2. The Arrest Warrant.....................................................966
C. The Arrest of Plaintiff....................................................966
D. Plaintiffs Causes of Action................................................967
II. Legal Standard.................................................................968
III. Discussion: Constitutional Law Violations......................................968
A. Deprivation of a Constitutional Right: False Arrest and False
Imprisonment.............................................................969
1. Establishing a Claim of False Arrest...................................969
a. Fourth Amendment Requirements......................................969
b. Role of the Court..................................................970
2. Defendants Could Not Rely Upon Griffin's Statements....................970
3. Garletts' Photo Line-up is Improper ...................................972
4. The Warrant Was Not Valid..............................................973
a. England Violated Plaintiffs Constitutional Right...................973
b. Escola Did Not Violate Plaintiffs Constitutional Right.............974
5. The Constitutional Right Was Clearly Established.......................974
B. Deprivation of a Constitutional Right: Malicious Prosecution...............975
1. Establishing a Claim of Malicious Prosecution..........................975
2. Probable Cause for the Criminal Prosecution............................975
C. Perry Township's Policy or Custom..........................................976
1. "Official Policy" Requirement..........................................976
a. Ohio Revised Code..................................................977
b. Local Practice and Custom..........................................977
2. The Policy: Inadequate Training........................................978
3. The Policy: Inadequate Supervision ....................................979 4. The Policy: Inadequate Hiring..........................................980 IV. Discussion: State Law Violations...............................................981 A. State Immunity.............................................................981 B. False Arrest/False Imprisonment............................................982 C. Malicious Prosecution .....................................................983 D. Abuse of Process...........................................................984 E. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress...............................984 F. Defamation ................................................................985 G. Civil Conspiracy...........................................................986 V. Conclusion ....................................................................986
Plaintiff Matthew Ruble ("Ruble" or "Plaintiff") filed the present action against Defendants former Chief of Police for the Perry Township Police Department Timothy Escola ("Escola"), former part-time police officer Janine England ("England"), and the Board of Trustees for Perry Township, Stark County, Ohio ("Perry Township") (collectively "Defendants"), claiming ten causes of action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and Ohio State law.
Before the Court are Defendants' motions for summary judgment, pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(c). ECF Nos. 37, 38, 42.
For the reasons that follow, the Court denies in part Defendant England's motion for qualified immunity and state immunity. The Court grants Defendant Escola's motion for qualified immunity and remaining summary judgment motion and grants Perry Townships' motion for summary judgment.
The events giving rise to this case began when Defendant England, a newly hired part-time Perry Township police officer, was dispatched to a private home to investigate a reported burglary.
Upon information and belief of his criminal involvement in the burglary, Escola and England began to investigate Plaintiff. Plaintiff's criminal history showed only traffic violations. ECF Nos. 16 at 6; 32 at 30; 36 at 29. The officers spoke with several witnesses regarding Plaintiff's alleged criminal activities. ECF Nos. 32 at 30-31; 36 at 38. In contrast to the near meticulous records kept in the Griffin investigation,
Plaintiff contacted the Perry Township Police and informed England, via telephone, that he resides in Cincinnati, Ohio and works at Ziegler Tire in Monroe, Ohio. ECF Nos. 16 at 6; 36 at 29, 36. Plaintiff spoke to England and agreed to meet with her over the weekend to avoid missing work. ECF Nos. 16 at 6; 36 at 36. England did not document her conversation with Plaintiff, and Plaintiff failed to attend the meeting. ECF No. 36 at 36. The plant manager at Ziegler Tire faxed Plaintiff's time cards to Escola, indicating Plaintiff was at work the day of the burglary, and also included a written note inviting the officers to telephone the plant if the officers had any questions. ECF No. 44 at 7. The officers did not telephone the plant manager to verify the time cards. ECF No. 44 at 7. What happened next is in dispute.
England returned to the neighborhood where the burglary occurred to canvass the area and talk to the neighbors in accordance with Escola's instruction. ECF Nos. 32 at 35-36; 36 at 42. England independently assessed a photo line-up with Garletts. ECF No. 36 at 42. During the photo line-up, Garletts allegedly communicated to England that she "was doubtful for several reasons: I couldn't see
In contrast, England testified that Garletts "absolutely" did not indicate that she had difficulty making the selection. ECF No. 36 at 45. In her narrative report of the photo line-up, England wrote the following:
ECF No. 33-3 at 9-10.
After the photo line-up, Escola and England met with Prosecutor Anthony LaPenna to seek an arrest warrant for Plaintiff. The officers provided LaPenna with the following evidence: (1) the statement from Griffin and (2) the statement from Garletts and the photo line-up form. ECF No. 32 at 37. Defendant Escola testified that he also verbally informed LaPenna about Plaintiff's faxed time sheets. ECF No. 32 at 37. In response, Escola testified that LaPenna said, "You've got more than enough to charge him ... [t]hat's evidence they can bring to court in their defense." ECF No. 32 at 37. LaPenna subsequently authorized the issuance of an arrest warrant for Plaintiff.
Plaintiff was arrested on June 2, 2009 by the local police in accordance with the warrant issued by LaPenna. ECF No. 16 at 11. Escola and England then traveled approximately three and one-half hours to Ziegler Tire in Monroe, Ohio.
After leaving Ziegler Tire, Escola and England went out to dinner, then met Escola's daughter's family at a local soccer field where Escola's grandchildren were practicing. ECF No. 43 at 9. Later in the evening, Escola and England drove to the
The next morning, the officers returned to Stark County Jail to speak with Griffin. ECF No. 16 at 12. Griffin recanted his previous statement regarding Plaintiff's involvement in the burglary and wrote a new statement. ECF Nos. 36-55; 36-56. Plaintiff was later released and the charges were dropped. ECF Nos. 16 at 12; 36 at 59.
Based upon these events, Plaintiff asserted the following causes of action: (1) false arrest claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and state law; (2) malicious prosecution claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and state law; (3) state law claim for false imprisonment; (4) state law claim for abuse of process; (5) state law claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress; (6) state law claim for defamation; (7) state law claim for civil conspiracy; (8) violation of the Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments under 42 U.S.C. § 1983; (9) a claim for deliberate inadequate training, supervising, and hiring under 42 U.S.C. § 1983; and (10) state law claim for punitive damage. ECF No. 16 at 12-20. Specifically, Plaintiff alleges that Escola and England were having an inappropriate relationship during the time they investigated Plaintiff, and that the decision to arrest Plaintiff was made without probable cause and in furtherance of a "conspir[acy] to falsify evidence against Matthew Ruble to justify a day long trip together to the Cincinnati, Ohio area." ECF No. 16 at 7.
Defendants have separately filed motions for summary judgment. ECF Nos. 37, 38, 42. Defendant Perry Township's motion for summary judgment seeks a ruling solely based upon the merits. ECF Nos. 51, 37. The § 1983 claims against the officers in their official capacity is the equivalent of a claim against Perry Township, and is governed by Monell v. New York City Dep't. of Soc. Servs., 436 U.S. 658, 691, 98 S.Ct. 2018, 56 L.Ed.2d 611 (1978). See Brown v. Karnes, Case No. 2:05CV555, 2005 WL 2230206, at *3 (S.D.Ohio Sept. 13, 2005). The officers have moved for summary judgment based upon the merits of Plaintiff's state and federal claims in their official capacities. ECF Nos. 38, 42. The officers have also motioned for qualified immunity to the extent the Court considers any of Plaintiff's allegations against them in an individual capacity as well. ECF Nos. 52, 53. Because the briefings sufficiently indicate proper notice to the officers that they were being sued in their individual as well as official capacity, we consider the officers' claims of qualified immunity as to § 1983 claims against them in their individual capacities.
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56(c) governs summary judgment motions, and provides in pertinent part:
The movant, however, is not required to file affidavits or other similar materials negating a claim on which its opponent bears the burden of proof, so long as the movant relies upon the absence of the essential element in the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986).
Upon review, the Court must view the evidence in light most favorable to the nonmoving party to determine whether a genuine issue of material facts exists. Adickes v. S.H. Kress & Co., 398 U.S. 144, 90 S.Ct. 1598, 26 L.Ed.2d 142 (1970); see also White v. Turfway Park Racing Ass'n., 909 F.2d 941, 943-44 (6th Cir.1990). A fact is "material" only if its resolution will affect the outcome of the lawsuit. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 248, 106 S.Ct. 2505. Determination of whether a factual issue is "genuine" requires consideration of the applicable evidentiary standards. Thus, in most civil cases, the Court must decide "whether reasonable jurors could find by a preponderance of the evidence that the [non-moving party] is entitled to a verdict." Id. at 252, 106 S.Ct. 2505.
Summary judgment is appropriate whenever the non-moving party fails to make a showing sufficient to establish the existence of an element essential to that party's case and on which that party will bear the burden of proof at trial. Celotex, 477 U.S. at 322, 106 S.Ct. 2548. Cross-motions for summary judgment are examined under the usual Rule 56 standards. Spectrum Health Continuing Care Group v. Anna Marie Bowling Irrevocable Trust, 410 F.3d 304, 309 (6th Cir.2005). Each cross-motion must be evaluated on its own merits, with the court viewing all facts and reasonable inferences in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party. Appoloni v. U.S., 450 F.3d 185, 189 (6th Cir. 2006).
Moreover, "the trial court no longer has a duty to search the entire record to establish that it is bereft of a genuine issue of material fact." Street v. J.C. Bradford & Co., 886 F.2d 1472, 1479-80 (6th Cir.1989) (citing Frito-Lay, Inc. v. Willoughby, 863 F.2d 1029, 1034 (D.C.Cir.1988)). The non-moving party is under an affirmative duty to point out specific facts in the record as it has been established that create a genuine issue of material fact. Fulson v. Columbus, 801 F.Supp. 1, 4 (S.D.Ohio 1992). The non-movant must show more than a scintilla of evidence to overcome summary judgment; it is not enough for the non-moving party to show that there is some metaphysical doubt as to material facts. Id.
Title 42 U.S.C. § 1983 imposes liability against
A municipality cannot be liable for the constitutional torts of its employees; that is, it cannot be liable on a respondeat superior theory. Monell, 436 U.S. at 691, 98 S.Ct. 2018. Rather, liability will attach only where the plaintiff establishes that the municipality engaged in a "policy or custom" that was the "moving force" behind the deprivation of the plaintiff's rights. Id. at 694, 98 S.Ct. 2018.
Plaintiff argues that Defendants violated a constitutional right based upon the Fourth Amendment when Defendants falsely arrested him, imprisoned him and prosecuted him. ECF No. 16 at 12-13. Plaintiff contends that the Defendants did not have probable cause to obtain a warrant for arrest because the warrant was based upon statements made by an unreliable suspect and a positive ID in a faulty photo line-up. ECF No. 16 at 12-13.
The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. U.S. CONST. AMEND. IV; U.S. v. Torres-Ramos, 536 F.3d 542, 554 (6th Cir.2008). "A false arrest claim under federal law requires a plaintiff to prove that the arresting officer lacked probable cause to arrest the plaintiff." Voyticky v. Village of Timberlake, Ohio, 412 F.3d 669, 677 (6th Cir.2005); see also Brooks v. Rothe, 577 F.3d 701, 706 (6th Cir.2009).
When a plaintiff is arrested pursuant to a warrant, the plaintiff must show "that in order to procure the warrant, [the officer] knowingly and deliberately, or with reckless disregard for the truth, made false statements or omissions that created a falsehood and such statements or omissions were material, or necessary, to the finding of probable cause." Sykes v. Anderson, 625 F.3d 294, 305 (6th Cir.2010) (citing Wilson v. Russo, 212 F.3d 781, 786-87
When analyzing a Fourth Amendment claim, "[i]t is the Court's duty to answer whether the officer's actions were objectively reasonable." Jones v. Graley, 2008 WL 343087 *4 (S.D.Ohio Feb. 6, 2008) (citing Scott v. Harris, 550 U.S. 372, 381, 127 S.Ct. 1769, 167 L.Ed.2d 686 (2007) ("At the summary judgment stage ... once we have determined the relevant set of facts and drawn all inferences in favor of the non-moving party to the extent supportable by the record ... the reasonableness of [the officer's] actions ... is a pure question of law.")); Phillips v. Roane County, Tenn., 534 F.3d 531, 539 (6th Cir. 2008).
Employing this guidance, Plaintiff must show that he was arrested without probable cause. In this case, Plaintiff alleges that there was insufficient probable cause to arrest him because the officers relied upon a warrant that they knew was based upon false or misleading statements that were the product of an improperly conducted photo line-up and unreasonable reliance upon statements made by Griffin. ECF Nos. 43 at 14-17; 44 at 15-17.
Defendants argue that their reliance upon Griffin's statements provide a substantial basis for establishing probable cause. ECF Nos. 38 at 12-13; 42 at 8; 48 at 2-3. Plaintiff argues that Griffin was unreliable because he lied on several occasions when questioned by the officers and he had a lengthy criminal background. ECF No. 43 at 5.
A witness' firsthand observations and written statement "are generally entitled to a presumption of reliability and veracity" unless "there is an apparent reason for the officer to believe that the eyewitness was lying, did not accurately describe what he has seen, or was in some fashion mistaken regarding his recollection...." Ahlers v. Schebil, 188 F.3d 365, 370 (6th Cir.1999) (internal citations and quotations omitted). In the instant case, Plaintiff has presented evidence that indicates an apparent reason for the officers to believe that Griffin was lying.
When England initially located Griffin after the burglary, she noted he was "visibly shaking, his hands were shaking uncontrollably and I saw the vain [sic] on his forehead pulsating, indicative of very nervous behavior." ECF No. 43 at 4. He changed his story twice in that first conversation and ended by crying and saying "I need help, please get me help for my [heroin] habit." ECF No. 43 at 4-5.
Escola and England continued to investigate. Despite the plant manager at Ziegler Tire faxing Plaintiff's time cards from the day of the burglary indicating Plaintiff was working near Cincinnati and a note from the manager inviting Escola to call him if he had questions, Escola did not call the plant manager or anyone else at Ziegler Tire
Because of the need for more conclusive information, Escola instructed England to canvass the neighborhood where the burglary took place for additional witnesses, and during that time England conducted a photo line-up with Garletts. ECF No. 32 at 35; 36 at 42. Plaintiff claims that the photo line-up positively identifying Plaintiff is not sufficient for probable cause because England unduly influenced Garletts. ECF Nos. 43 at 7-9; 44 at 7-9; 45 at 3-4.
According to her deposition, Garletts' account of England's photo line-up assessment is as follows:
ECF No. 34 at 5. Garletts communicated to England that she "was doubtful for several reasons: I couldn't see his face, it was far away and there was a tree in the way." ECF No. 34 at 6. Despite Garletts' doubt, she testified that England instructed Garletts to "put down a percentage as to how sure you are." ECF No. 34 at 14. Garletts wrote, "I would have to say I'm about 80 to 90 percent sure [that] this is the person I saw." ECF Nos. 34 at 14; 36-35.
When England completed her narrative report, she wrote that Garletts identified the Plaintiff "[w]ithin the first five seconds." ECF No. 33-3 at 9. Garletts disputes this (ECF No. 34 at 6) and so, apparently, does England.
Furthermore, England "forgot" the form that the witness must read and sign before looking at the photographs. ECF No. 36 at 46. This paragraph is the paragraph that directs witnesses in capital letters: "YOU MUST BE 100% POSITIVE." ECF No. 37-2. Instead, England testified she told Garletts to read the back of the form England had brought. ECF No. 36 at 46. England did not read it to Garletts, and Garletts testified she did not read it. ECF No. 34 at 6.
The Garletts photo ID line-up, at best, did not follow proper procedure and, at worst, resulted in England influencing the witness' selection. Defendants make much of the fact that Garletts chose Plaintiff, presumably to assert there was probable cause to arrest him based upon the ID. However, the fact that Garletts chose Plaintiff, whom no one is alleging was at the house that day, would seem to have the opposite effect of illustrating how a witness in a mishandled photo ID line-up can be influenced to chose a particular suspect. The fact Garletts chose Plaintiff, and did so amid the forgotten form, the unread instructions, Garletts' expressed doubts about her ability to do so and England's alleged influence, would indicate that if the photo line-up were improper and unduly suggestive as Plaintiff alleges, it did not constitute probable cause.
Defendants argue that a facially valid warrant is a defense to false arrest. ECF No. 42 at 12. However, when a warrant is issued based upon false or misleading statements or material omissions made by a police officer applying for the warrant, this defense is not available to the officers. Sykes, 625 F.3d at 305. The officers basis for probable cause is two-fold: (1) Griffin's statement and (2) Garletts' photo line-up identification and statement. ECF No. 32 at 37. Upon finding that the officers could not rely solely upon Griffin's statement, the balance of the basis for probable cause to arrest is Garletts' photo line-up determination.
The conflicting testimony of England and Garletts presents several genuine issues of material fact, including at a minimum: (1) whether Garletts' had an obstructed view;
Escola was not present during Garletts' photo ID, and Plaintiff has not presented evidence that Escola knew of the alleged wrongdoing by England. England's narrative report reads that Garletts chose Plaintiff within the first five seconds, and there is nothing on the face of that report to indicate improprieties. The written statement by Garletts that Garletts was "80-90% sure" does not in-and-of itself negate probable cause. The prosecutor, having all the information Escola had about the photo ID, determined probable cause existed.
It has long been settled law that arresting a person without probable cause is unconstitutional. U.S. CONST. AMEND. IV; Sykes, 625 F.3d at 305. Falsifying facts to establish probable cause to arrest is unconstitutional. Hill v. McIntyre, 884 F.2d 271, 275 (6th Cir.1989); Donta v. Hooper, 774 F.2d 716, 718 (6th Cir.1985); Franks v. Delaware, 438 U.S. 154, 168, 98 S.Ct. 2674, 57 L.Ed.2d 667 (1978). Relying upon a warrant obtained by false or misleading statements is unconstitutional. Sykes, 625 F.3d at 305. Conducting an unduly suggestive line-up that results in a seizure without probable cause is unconstitutional. Hutsell v. Sayre, 5 F.3d 996, 1005 (6th Cir.1993) (finding that while alleging an improper line-up without more is not a constitutional violation, there would be a constitutional violation if the line-up was unduly suggestive and caused a violation of a known right).
Plaintiff argues that Defendants violated a constitutional right based upon the Fourth Amendment when Escola and England maliciously prosecuted him. ECF No. 16 at 14.
"The Sixth Circuit `recognize[s] a separate constitutionally cognizable claim of malicious prosecution under the Fourth Amendment,' which `encompasses wrongful investigation, prosecution, conviction, and incarceration.'" Sykes, 625 F.3d at 308 (quoting Barnes v. Wright, 449 F.3d 709, 715-16 (6th Cir.2006)). Malicious prosecution is "entirely distinct" from false arrest, in that a malicious prosecution tort remedies detention accompanied by wrongful institution of the legal process. Wallace v. Kato, 549 U.S. 384, 390, 127 S.Ct. 1091, 166 L.Ed.2d 973 (2007).
In order to survive a motion for summary judgment against a malicious prosecution claim pursuant to § 1983, a plaintiff must present a genuine issue of material fact as to the following:
Sykes, 625 F.3d at 308-9 (citations omitted) (quoting Fox v. DeSoto, 489 F.3d 227, 237 (6th Cir.2007); Johnson v. Knorr, 477 F.3d 75, 81 (3d Cir.2007)).
Plaintiff argues Defendants lacked probable cause for the prosecution of Plaintiff because, as in the false arrest context, the arrest warrant was obtained absent probable cause. ECF No. 16 at 14. Defendants argue that they did not participate in the prosecution of Plaintiff, and that, alternatively, there was sufficient probable cause to prosecute Plaintiff. ECF Nos. 38 at 11-14; 42 at 14.
The constitutional torts of malicious prosecution and false arrest are independent torts based upon the Fourth Amendment. Thacker v. City of Columbus, 328 F.3d 244, 258-59 (6th Cir.2003) (finding that, at a minimum, a plaintiff must show "that there was no probable cause to justify [his] arrest and prosecution.") (citing Darrah v. City of Oak Park, 255 F.3d 301, 312 (6th Cir.2001)). Nonetheless, Plaintiff's malicious prosecution allegation stems from his false arrest and imprisonment claim. ECF No. 44 at 19 ("The false arrest/ false imprisonment/ malicious prosecution causes all rest upon whether there was probable cause for Matthew Ruble's arrest."). The morning after Plaintiff was arrested, he was released because Griffin recanted his previous statement. ECF No. 44 at 10. Defendants dropped the initial charges against Plaintiff, despite the prosecutor assuring them they still had enough to keep and prosecute Plaintiff. ECF No. 44 at 10; 47 at 8. Plaintiff points to no evidence that shows Defendants continued to prosecute Plaintiff after his detention — in fact, they released him. As such, Plaintiff fails to state a claim of malicious prosecution, and England
Once a plaintiff has asserted a constitutional deprivation, liability under § 1983 will only attach to a municipality if the municipal policy or custom proximately caused the constitutional deprivation. Monell, 436 U.S. at 691, 98 S.Ct. 2018; Collins v. City of Harker Heights, 503 U.S. 115, 122, 112 S.Ct. 1061, 117 L.Ed.2d 261 (1992); Ford v. Cnty. of Grand Traverse, 535 F.3d 483, 495-96 (6th Cir.2008). According to Supreme Court decisional law, municipal liability may be based upon: (1) an express municipal policy, such as a ordinance, regulation, or police statement, see Monell, 436 U.S. at 660-61, 98 S.Ct. 2018; (2) a "widespread practice that, although not authorized by written law or express municipal policy, is `so permanent and well settled as to constitute a custom or usage' with the force of law," see City of St. Louis v. Praprotnik, 485 U.S. 112, 127, 108 S.Ct. 915, 99 L.Ed.2d 107 (1988) (internal quotation omitted); or (3) the decision of a person with "final policy making authority," see Praprotnik, 485 U.S. at 123, 108 S.Ct. 915; see also Pembaur v. City of Cincinnati, 475 U.S. 469, 481-83, 106 S.Ct. 1292, 89 L.Ed.2d 452 (1986). The following types of municipal polices and practices may give rise to § 1983 liability:
Turning to the instant matter, Plaintiff alleges that Perry Township is liable based upon the decision of a person with final policy making authority-Defendant Escola-for the deliberate indifference of training and supervising the officers and hiring England. ECF No. 16 at 4; 7-8; 17; 18-19.
Plaintiff argues that Escola was acting as the decision maker with final authority on policy matters relevant to the operations of the Perry Township Police Department, including:
ECF Nos. 16 at 17.
Whether an official has final policymaking authority is an issue of law to be determined by the court by reference to state and local law. Jett v. Dallas
The applicable Ohio law, R.C. § 737.06, states: "The chief of police shall have exclusive control of the stationing and transfer of all patrolmen, auxiliary police officers, and other officers and employees in the police department, and police auxiliary unit, under such general rules and regulations as the director of public safety prescribes." The applicable Ohio law reveals that the chief of police is subordinate to the director of public safety. Plaintiff offers no regulations or written procedures that indicate otherwise. Feliciano v. City of Cleveland, 988 F.2d 649, 655 (6th Cir. 1993) (finding that the City Charter of Cleveland and the Cleveland Code § 135.09(a), the applicable Ohio law, revealed that the "Chief of Police is subordinate to the Director of Public Safety[,]" and therefore, "plaintiffs have not shown that the Chief of Police has been delegated the authority to make final policy regarding drug testing through Ohio positive law"). The analysis does not stop here, for the Court must now consider Ohio procedure and custom. Feliciano, 988 F.2d at 655 (citing Jett, 491 U.S. at 737, 109 S.Ct. 2702); Pembaur, 475 U.S. at 481, n. 10, 106 S.Ct. 1292.
The Supreme Court has long recognized that a "custom" is a widespread practice that, although not authorized by written law, is "so permanent and well settled as to constitute a `custom or usage' with the force of law." Monell, 436 U.S. at 691, 98 S.Ct. 2018.
Perry Township argues that the facts merely demonstrate that Escola has the discretionary authority to act. ECF No. 37 at 13; Praprotnik, 485 U.S. at 126, 108 S.Ct. 915 ("If the mere exercise of discretion by an employee could give rise to a constitutional violation, the result would be indistinguishable from respondeat superior liability.").
Generally, identifying a policymaking official is a question of law for the court to decide, not one of fact to be submitted to a jury; however, the existence of a local practice or custom, normally presents an issue of fact for the jury. Praprotnik, 485 U.S. at 124, 108 S.Ct. 915; Worsham v. City of Pasadena, 881 F.2d 1336, 1344 (5th Cir.1989). In the matter before the Court, Plaintiff raises a genuine issue of material fact through Escola's deposition testimony. Escola testified that he had the power and control to order police investigations, conduct photo line-ups, and arrest suspects. ECF No. 32 at
In City of Canton v. Harris, the Supreme Court held that deliberately indifferent training may give rise to a § 1983 municipal liability. 489 U.S. 378, 109 S.Ct. 1197, 103 L.Ed.2d 412 (1989). The Court found that "there are limited circumstances in which an allegation of a `failure to train' can be the basis for liability under § 1983." Id. at 387, 109 S.Ct. 1197. The Court held that a § 1983 municipal liability may be based upon inadequate training "only where the failure to train amounts to deliberate indifference to the rights of persons with whom the police come into contact[,]" and that deliberate indifference was the moving force of the violation of the plaintiff's constitutional right. Id. at 387, 109 S.Ct. 1197. The plaintiff must demonstrate specific training deficiencies and either: (1) a pattern of constitutional violations in which policymaking officials can be charged with knowledge, or (2) that training is obviously necessary to avoid constitutional violations.
Defendant Perry Township argues that Plaintiff's claim of inadequate training is merely an allegation of "negligence." ECF No. 37 at 18. Perry Township further asserts that there is no evidence that it was indifferent to Plaintiff's constitutional rights, that the officers had a history or policy of making unlawful arrests, or that
In response, Plaintiff argues that "Escola had never trained England on photo lineups [and] Escola was [ ] the individual that Perry Township had entrusted with assigning police officers to tasks and investigations." ECF No. 45 at 17. Given this backdrop, Plaintiff avers that a "reasonable jury could easily conclude that Escola, the Chief and Township official delegated with training, knew that England was grossly incompetent to conduct a photo lineup." ECF No. 45 at 17.
In reply, Perry Township argues that Plaintiff's entire claim is based upon a single photo line-up that does not rise to the level of deliberate indifference on the part of Escola or Perry Township. ECF No. 46 at 7. Perry Township explains that England had prior experience with photo line-ups including the bank teller in the instant case, wherein Julia LeFever identified Griffin as the man who cashed the stolen checks. ECF Nos. 46 at 7; 32 at 19, 20-21. Escola conducted the line-up though England was present and Escola had England sign the forms. ECF No. 37-2 at 8-9. Plaintiff points out that "England's narrative report discusses the care that Escola took to ensure that the lineup was conducted appropriately. Escola `clearly instructed [the teller] to look through the pictures and take her time in doing so.'" ECF No. 44 at 4. For all intents and purposes, it appears as though Escola properly ran a line-up in such a way that was intended to train England and did have that result given England's narrative report of the appropriate steps taken by Escola. ECF No. 36-5.
Perry Township likewise emphasizes that there is no allegation that this first line-up was flawed. ECF No. 46 at 8. Perry Township concludes that given Escola's own experience with England performing a photo identification line-up, as well as England's prior experience with the Montville Police Department and Medina County Sherif's Department, it cannot be deduced that Chief Escola or Perry Township acted with deliberate indifference. ECF No. 46 at 8.
The Canton Court ruled that a plaintiff must identify a particular deficiency in the training program and prove that the identified deficiency was the cause of the plaintiff's constitutional injury. Canton, 489 U.S. at 390-91, 109 S.Ct. 1197. The Court finds that Plaintiff merely alleged that England was inadequately trained and that the conduct resulting in his injury could have been avoided by more or better training. ECF No. 45. The Canton Court is clear that a plaintiff will not prevail on such a theory. Canton, 489 U.S. at 390-91, 109 S.Ct. 1197.
Plaintiff also failed to demonstrate municipal liability by way of a pattern of unconstitutional conduct-the alternative approach to showing deliberate inadequate training-because Plaintiff only identified a single photo line-up opposed to a pattern of improper photo line-ups. In accordance with the notion that federal courts are not to become involved "in an endless exercise of second-guessing municipal employee-training programs," the Court finds that Plaintiff's allegations do not satisfy the stringent standards for fault (i.e., deliberate indifference) and causation (i.e., moving force) and thus fail as a matter of law. The Court, therefore, grants summary judgment as to inadequate training in favor of Defendants.
In Gregory v. City of Louisville, the Sixth Circuit held that "[s]upervisory liability under § 1983 cannot attach where the allegation of liability is based upon a mere failure to act." 444 F.3d 725, 751 (6th Cir.2006) (internal citations and quotations omitted). The Gregory Court explained
Leach v. Shelby County Sheriff, 891 F.2d 1241, 1246 (6th Cir.1990). In order to sustain his claim, Plaintiff must introduce evidence that Escola "implicitly authorized, approved or acquiesced" in the alleged unconstitutional conduct.
In an effort to satisfy this requirement, Plaintiff alleges that "Chief Escola knew that England had worked for the department for less than two months, and yet he was the one who instructed her to return to conduct the photo lineup."
In Board of County Commissioners v. Brown, the Supreme Court held that municipal liability can be premised upon a municipality's deliberately indifferent hiring of a constitutional wrongdoer, but only if the plaintiff demonstrates that the hired officer "was highly likely to inflict the particular injury suffered by the plaintiff." 520 U.S. 397, 412, 117 S.Ct. 1382, 137 L.Ed.2d 626 (1997) (emphasis in original). In order to "prevent municipal liability for a hiring decision from collapsing into respondeat superior liability, a court must carefully test the link between the policymaker's inadequate decision and the particular injury alleged."
Summary judgment in favor of Defendants is appropriate as to Plaintiff's § 1983 Monell claims because even if a constitutional violation and final policymaking authority is assumed, Plaintiff did not produce evidence of an unconstitutional policy or custom that would support § 1983 liability. See Arendale v. City of Memphis, 519 F.3d 587, 601 (6th Cir.2008) ("[C]onclusory statements are not sufficient to survive any motion for summary judgment, much less to allow a municipality to be held liable for the acts of its employees.").
Plaintiff alleges a number of state law claims against Defendants stemming from the alleged conduct described above. "A federal court exercising supplemental jurisdiction over state law claims [under 28 U.S.C. § 1367] is bound to apply the law of the forum state to the same extent as if it were exercising its diversity jurisdiction." Super Sulky, Inc. v. U.S. Trotting Ass'n., 174 F.3d 733, 741 (6th Cir. 1999); Chandler v. Specialty Tires of America (Tennessee), Inc., 283 F.3d 818, 823 (6th Cir.2002). The federal court is to "apply state law in accordance with the controlling decisions of the state supreme court." Moore v. Detroit School Reform Bd., 293 F.3d 352, 359 (6th Cir.2002). When the state's highest court has not decided the issue, the federal court must ascertain the state law from "all relevant data." Garden City Osteopathic Hosp. v. HBE Corp., 55 F.3d 1126, 1130 (6th Cir. 1995) (quoting Bailey v. V. & O Press Co., 770 F.2d 601, 604 (6th Cir.1985)). All relevant data includes the state's intermediate court decisions, restatements of law, law review commentaries and decisions from other jurisdictions on the "majority" rule. Rousey v. U.S., 115 F.3d 394, 397 (6th Cir.1997).
Plaintiff alleges Escola and England intentionally falsified evidence in order to procure a warrant with which to arrest Plaintiff, and this led the officers to commit several tortious acts against Plaintiff. ECF No. 16 at 12-3. Escola and England argue they are immune from suit based upon state law immunity. ECF Nos. 38 at 14; 42 at 17.
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2744 creates a presumption that political subdivisions and their law enforcement officers are immune from liability from state tort claims. Cook v. Cincinnati, 103 Ohio App.3d 80, 658 N.E.2d 814, 820 (1995). The question of whether a governmental employee or political subdivision is entitled to statutory immunity is again a question of law for a court's determination. Feitshans v. Darke County, 116 Ohio App.3d 14, 686 N.E.2d 536, 539 (1996).
Plaintiff does not argue that the officer's acts were manifestly outside the scope of their employment or official responsibilities. Additionally, Plaintiff does not allege that liability is expressly imposed by a statute. Any review thus focuses on R.C. 2744.03(A)(6)(b), whether the officers' acts "were with malicious purpose, in bad faith, or in a wanton or reckless manner."
The term "malice" means the willful and intentional desire to harm another, usually seriously, through conduct which is unlawful or unjustified. Hicks v. Leffler, 119 Ohio App.3d 424, 695 N.E.2d 777, 780 (Ohio Ct.App.1997). "Bad faith" implies a sinister motive that has "no reasonable justification." Id. "Bad faith" embraces more than bad judgment or negligence, it imports a "dishonest purpose, moral obliquity, conscious wrongdoing, breach of a known duty through some ulterior motive or ill will partaking of the nature of fraud. It also embraces actual intent to mislead or deceive another." Id.; See also Jackson v. Butler Cty. Bd. of Cty. Commrs., 76 Ohio App.3d 448, 602 N.E.2d 363, 367 (1991).
Wanton misconduct has been defined as the failure to exercise any care whatsoever. See Fabrey, 639 N.E.2d at 35 (citing Hawkins v. Ivy, 50 Ohio St.2d 114, 363 N.E.2d 367, syllabus (Ohio 1977)). The Ohio Supreme Court has held that "mere negligence is not converted into wanton misconduct unless the evidence establishes a disposition to perversity on the part of the tortfeasor." Fabrey, 639 N.E.2d at 35 (quoting Roszman v. Sammett, 26 Ohio St.2d 94, 269 N.E.2d 420, 422 (1971)). Such perversity requires that the actor be conscious that his conduct will, in all likelihood, result in an injury, and the standard of proof to show wanton misconduct is high. Id.
"Reckless" refers to conduct that causes an unreasonable risk of harm and is "substantially greater than that which is necessary to make [an actor's] conduct negligent." Thompson v. McNeill, 53 Ohio St.3d 102, 559 N.E.2d 705, 708 (1990). Likewise, an individual acts recklessly when he or she, bound by a duty, does an act or intentionally fails to do an act, knowing, or having reason to know of facts that would lead a reasonable person to realize not only that there is an unreasonable risk of harm to another, but also that such risk is substantially greater than that which is necessary for negligence. See Id.; Fabrey, 639 N.E.2d at 35.
Plaintiff argues he was falsely arrested and imprisoned by Escola and England because they fabricated evidence to establish probable cause in order to procure a warrant for his arrest. ECF No. 16 at 12-3.
"In its essential elements, a claim for false arrest is indistinguishable from a claim for false imprisonment in that each claim requires proof that one was intentionally confined within a limited
In Ohio, a claim for false arrest requires proof of (1) a detention of the person, and (2) an unlawful detention. Thacker v. City of Columbus, 328 F.3d 244 (6th Cir.2003). Like false arrest claims pursuant to Fourth Amendment standards, "under Ohio law, an arrest warrant, `issued by a court unless utterly void is a complete defense to an action for false arrest or false imprisonment.'" Voyticky, 412 F.3d at 677 (quoting McFarland v. Shirkey, 106 Ohio App. 517, 151 N.E.2d 797, 802 (1958)). To preclude state immunity, a plaintiff must further show the warrant was void because the officer made a false statement either intentionally or with a reckless disregard for the truth. Fabrey v. McDonald Village Police Dept., 70 Ohio St.3d 351, 639 N.E.2d 31, 35 (1994).
As already noted above, the record does not reflect that Escola made a false statement intentionally or with a reckless disregard for the truth when procuring the warrant. Thus, Escola is immune pursuant to R.C. 2744.03(A)(6). A genuine issue of material fact exists as to whether England made a false statement intentionally or with a reckless disregard for the truth. The record reflects England knew the importance of a properly conducted photo ID lineup
The Ohio Supreme Court has recognized that an action for malicious prosecution is "closely akin" to an action for false arrest or false imprisonment, but has characterized "the distinction between them [as] fundamental." Rogers v. Barbera, 170 Ohio St. 241, 164 N.E.2d 162, 164 (1960). "A suit for false arrest or false imprisonment is the proper action where the aggrieved party is arrested without legal process, or under a void process; but where the process on which the arrest is made is regular on its face, but is sued out
Because Plaintiff was arrested pursuant to a void legal process, the proper claim is false arrest. See Durbin v. Ohio State Highway Patrol, 83 Ohio App.3d 693, 615 N.E.2d 694, 697 (1992) (noting the plaintiff's malicious prosecution claim constituted false arrest because he alleged the warrant issued was void for lack of probable cause). Thus, the malicious prosecution claim is without merit. Summary judgment, as applicable, is granted on this claim.
Plaintiff alleges a state law claim of abuse of process. ECF No. 16 at 15. An abuse of process claim requires: (1) that a legal proceeding has been set in motion in proper form and with probable cause; (2) that the proceeding has been perverted to attempt to accomplish an ulterior purpose for which it was not designed; and (3) that direct damage has resulted from the wrongful use of process. Yaklevich v. Kemp, Schaeffer and Rowe, Company, L.P.A., 68 Ohio St.3d 294, 626 N.E.2d 115, 118 (1994).
Because the Court has established England did not have probable cause to arrest Plaintiff, a claim against her cannot lie. As for Escola, Plaintiff cannot show facts that indicate he perverted the proceeding to accomplish an ulterior purpose. Though Plaintiff makes much of the personal relationship between Escola and England, the facts do not show this alleged relationship caused Escola to pervert the investigation so as to leave town with England. ECF No. 44 at 19. Rather, the facts show Escola was reasonable in his reliance upon Garletts' photo ID and the prosecutor's issuance of the arrest warrant. England and Escola are entitled to immunity.
Both are granted summary judgment on this claim.
Plaintiff alleges that as a direct result of the outrageous and extreme conduct of Escola and England, he suffered emotional distress. ECF No. 16 at 15. Plaintiff argues Escola and England behaved outrageously in that they continued to investigate Plaintiff even after they knew he was not connected to the burglary, and that the purpose behind the investigation was to manufacture probable cause so Escola and England could "get away together." ECF No. 44 at 20. Furthermore, Plaintiff argues Escola and England delayed in picking up Plaintiff at the jail while they "visited Escola's family and enjoyed a dinner out together." ECF No. 43 at 20. Defendants argue the behavior was not extreme or outrageous and there was no intent to harm. ECF Nos. 42 at 15; 38 at 24.
The elements of intentional infliction of emotional distress are: (1) that the defendant intended to cause the plaintiff serious emotional distress; (2) that the defendant's conduct was extreme and outrageous; and (3) that the defendant's conduct was the proximate cause of plaintiff's serious emotional distress. Phung v. Waste Mgt., Inc., 71 Ohio St.3d 408, 644 N.E.2d 286, 289 (1994). Extreme and outrageous conduct is conduct that goes beyond any possible bounds of decency and is so atrocious that it is "utterly intolerable in a civilized society." Yeager v. Local Union 20, 6 Ohio St.3d 369, 453 N.E.2d 666, 671 (1983) (abrogated on other grounds). "Mere insults, indignities, threats, annoyances and petty oppressions,
In the instant case, Plaintiff has failed to present evidence that the officers' actions intended to cause him serious emotional distress. Plaintiff himself alleges the officers actions at worst were intended to devise a way to leave town together, and not to intentionally harm Plaintiff. Plaintiff's argument that Defendants continued to investigate him "even after they knew that Ruble was in no way connected with the burglary" is likewise without merit. ECF No. 44 at 20. The record reflects Defendants continued to investigate Plaintiff in order to ascertain whether he was involved in the burglary, and when they believed he was not connected to the burglary, they released him.
The alleged "extreme" or "outrageous" acts of which Plaintiff complains consists of the time Defendants spent together in Cincinnati before picking up Plaintiff to transport him back to Stark County. ECF No. 44 at 20. As Escola notes, Plaintiff was going to sit in jail for the evening whether it was in Warren County or Stark County, so any activity during that time did not cause Plaintiff to spend more time in jail then he would have otherwise, even if the activity could be considered outrageous. ECF No. 48 at 8. The Court does not find that eating at a pizza shop for 45 minutes then visiting Escola's daughter was particularly extreme or outrageous behavior. Furthermore, arrest and detention itself does not approach the "high standard adopted by the Ohio Supreme Court" for intentional infliction of emotional distress. Voyticky, 412 F.3d at 678. Defendants' motions for summary judgment are granted as to the intentional infliction of emotional distress claim.
Plaintiff alleges a claim for defamation because England "spoke to Ruble's associates in Stark County while investigating the crime, [and] she mentioned that she wanted to talk to Ruble in regard to burglary." ECF No. 43 at 21. Plaintiff further alleges "this continued at Ruble's place of work in Cincinnati, where Escola and England spoke to Rubles' coworkers regarding the burglary investigation." ECF No. 43 at 21. Furthermore, Plaintiff alleges Escola and England "allowed Ruble's co-workers to know that they had a warrant for his arrest." ECF No. 43 at 21.
To state a claim pursuant to Ohio law for defamation, a plaintiff must show: (1) a false and defamatory statement; (2) about plaintiff; (3) published without privilege to a third party; (4) with fault of at least negligence on the part of the defendant; and (5) that was either defamatory per se or caused special harm to the plaintiff. See Akron-Canton Waste Oil, Inc. v. Safety-Kleen Oil Serv., Inc., 81 Ohio App.3d 591, 611 N.E.2d 955, 962 (1992). A publication is privileged when it
In the instant case, the communication Plaintiff alleges was true and communicated during the discharge of a public duty. Speaking to Plaintiff's associates and co-workers and "allow[ing] Ruble's co-workers to know that they had a warrant for his arrest" was true and in furtherance of an investigation. Plaintiff's defamation claim therefore fails. Summary judgment is granted on this claim.
Plaintiff alleges a claim of civil conspiracy against Escola and England. ECF No. 16 at 16. Plaintiff agrees with Defendants that this claim "rises or falls on the success of his other claims." ECF No. 44 at 21. Because a civil conspiracy involves at least two people, see Kenty v. Transamerica Premium Ins. Co., 72 Ohio St.3d 415, 650 N.E.2d 863, 866 (1995), and because Escola is not liable to Plaintiff on any claims, there is no potential for civil conspiracy. Furthermore, as both Escola and England were officers of the Perry Township Police Department, the intra-corporate conspiracy doctrine negates such a claim. Hull v. Cuyahoga Valley Joint Vocational Sch. Dist. Bd. of Educ., 926 F.2d 505, 509-10 (6th Cir.1991) ("Since all of the defendants are members of the same collective entity, there are not two separate `people' to form a conspiracy" because the intra-corporate conspiracy doctrine does not allow a claim to be based upon the acts of the agents or employees of the same entity); Bays v. Canty, 330 Fed.Appx. 594 (6th Cir.Ohio) (applying the doctrine, used by the Sixth Circuit pursuant to federal law, to Ohio state claims). Summary judgment is granted on this claim.
For the aforementioned reasons, the Court denies England's motion for qualified immunity as to the false arrest claim pursuant to § 1983 and the state law false arrest claim. The Court grants the remainder of England's motion. The Court grants Escola's motion for qualified immunity and summary judgment in its entirety. The Court also grants Perry Township's motion for summary judgment in its entirety. (ECF Nos. 37, 38, 42).
Accordingly, this case proceeds only on the § 1983 and false arrest claims against Defendant England.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Failure to "investigate independently every claim of innocence" when executing an arrest warrant is not required by the Constitution. Criss v. City of Kent, 867 F.2d 259, 263 (6th Cir.1988) (citing Baker v. McCollan, 443 U.S. 137, 145-6, 99 S.Ct. 2689, 61 L.Ed.2d 433 (1979) and finding that "to hold otherwise would be to allow every suspect, guilty or innocent, to avoid arrest simply by claiming `it wasn't me.' And if the arresting officer failed to investigate such claims prior to arrest, the arrestee could bring a section 1983 suit."); See also Marx v. Gumbinner, 905 F.2d 1503, 1505-07 (11th Cir.1990) (same); Romero v. Fay, 45 F.3d 1472, 1477-8 (10th Cir. 1995) (no need to question plaintiff's alibi witnesses prior to arrest, citing Criss, Marx, and Baker); Brodnicki v. City of Omaha, 75 F.3d 1261, 1264 (8th Cir.1996) ("officers not required to conduct a mini-trial before arresting"), cert. denied, 519 U.S. 867, 117 S.Ct. 179, 136 L.Ed.2d 119 (1996).
Furthermore, the record reflects that England, with the approval of Escola, was improperly documenting her time cards so as to reflect she had not worked over her 39 hour a week limit. ECF No. 33 at 22. Given his lackadaisical attitude towards the time cards, it is not surprising that Escola prejudged it unprofitable to check Plaintiff's time cards.
ECF No. 36 at 45-6. It is not clear, then, why England wrote in her narrative that "[w]ithin the first five seconds Theresa picked out Matthew Ruble ..." or what part of the deposition questions she was answering "no" to. ECF No. 33-3 at 9.
ECF No. 37-2.
ECF No. 34 at 6-7.
ECF No. 32 at 5.
Canton, 489 U.S. at 390, 109 S.Ct. 1197 (internal footnotes omitted).
ECF No. 36 at 44.
