Attorney Dale Conder, Jr. Wins a Directed Verdict in Favor of Grand Junction, TN Police Chief in 4th Amendment Case

Court Previously Dismissed Case Against the Town of Grand Junction

The Honorable J. Daniel Breen, Federal Judge for the West Tennessee District, issued a directed verdict on August 29 in favor of Police Chief Pat Ryan of Grand Junction, TN. Grand Junction resident Susan Tice also received a favorable verdict. Chief Ryan and Tice were defendants in a Fourth Amendment case brought by plaintiff Kelley Stone of Grand Junction. The plaintiff was seeking $300,000 plus attorney’s fees

Attorney Dale Conder, Jr. of Rainey, Kizer, Reviere and Bell, PLC represented the Town of Grand Junction as well as Chief Ryan in this matter. The plaintiff was represented by J. Jeffrey Lee of Memphis, TN. Tice represented herself.

In March 2010, Kelley Stone sued the town, Chief Ryan and Tice. Chief Ryan had arrested Stone twice in 2009, on charges that she stalked Tice.

Stone claimed that Tice and Chief Ryan conspired to violate the Fourth Amendment and that Chief Ryan violated the Fourth Amendment by arresting her without probable cause. She also claimed that Chief Ryan and Tice were liable to her for false imprisonment, false arrest, and malicious prosecution. Stone claimed that the city’s policies, customs, or procedures caused the Fourth Amendment violation.

In March, the court granted the city’s motion for summary judgment. The jury trial in the case against Chief Ryan and Susan Tice began Monday August 29, 2011. After Ms. Stone presented her evidence, Judge Breen granted Chief Ryan’s motion for a directed verdict. The court concluded that Ms. Stone’s evidence was not sufficient to allow her claims to go to the jury. Judge Breen dismissed all remaining claims against Chief Ryan and Susan Tice.

Grand Junction is located in Fayette and Hardeman Counties, TN east of Memphis.

For additional information on this release, please contact:

Casey Smith

Phone: (731) 426-8122

Email: csmith@raineykizer.com

Source: Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell, P.L.C.

Website: https://raineykizer.com