Edgar County is facing a second federal civil rights lawsuit regarding actions by Deputy Dee Burgin, who failed to advise a citizen of his Miranda rights after his arrest, the Edgar County Watchdogs (ECW) report.
Burgin arrested Charles Barrett in December 2015 for allegedly driving with a revoked driver's license. Barrett argued that Burgin threatened him with a taser, failed to read him his Miranda rights and continued questioning him after he had requested an attorney. Barrett also alleged that Burgin illegally searched his person and home after threatening and intimidating Barrett with the taser.
Barrett was charged with four felony drug charges. The case was dismissed after a Dec. 12, 2016, hearing on the plaintiff's (Barrett's) motion to suppress evidence.
Barrett's attorney subsequently a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court against Burgin, Sheriff Jeff Wood in his official capacity and Edgar County for violations of Barrett's First and Fourth Amendment rights.
Burgin's attorney filed his response and counterclaim for alleged injuries incurred during the arrest on May 19. The latest filing was in response to Burgin's counterclaim, filed on June 5. The current case is ongoing.
Burgin is also involved in a civil rights case from July 18, 2016. He, the sheriff and the county are being sued for false arrest, excessive force, battery, negligence and three other allegations by Robert Fullerton.
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