On Monday Attorney Christopher Corbin sent a letter to the county’s auditors detailing pending lawsuits. Those lawsuits included:

* Mark and Connie Gordon versus Chattooga County, Sheriff John Everett and Investigator Kandy Dodd. That case was filed on May 12 in federal court and alleges various constitutional violations.

“The case in the early discovery phase and the county’s insurer is providing coverage and the county intends to defend this case vigorously,” Corbin stated.

* Rachel Womack versus the Sheriff John Everett and Investigator Kandy Dodd. It was filed June 21 in federal court and alleges the county violated various constitutional and civil rights. Corbin says the county will also “vigorously” defend itself in this case.

* A counterclaim was filed against the sheriff in a property condemnation case against Roy Thomas Meeler.

“This action brought by Sheriff Everett seeking guidance from the court regarding ownership of two automobiles. Defendant Charles Stephens filed a counterclaim against the sheriff alleging damages for state and federal constitutional violations and for intentional infliction of emotional distress. Defendant Stephens is also making a claim for attorney fees and a tort claim for abusive litigation. This case is in its initial stages, the county’s insurer is providing a defense to the issues raised in the counterclaim and the county intends to contest the case vigorously,” Corbin stated.

While the county’s insurer is providing defense in these cases it is still costing the county $5,000 in deductables for each case.  To date over $21,000 has been spent in defending law-suits this year.  Commissioner Winters has said that the money that has been spent will come out of the Sheriff’s Department’s budget for this year.

AM 1180 / The Summerville News