Lawsuit Against Laramie County Sheriff’s Department: Disabled Eight-Year-Old Allegedly Assaulted by School Resource Officer

Introduction:

A legal battle unfolds as the parents of an eight-year-old disabled boy file a lawsuit against the Laramie County Sheriff’s Department in Wyoming.

The complaint alleges a shocking incident involving a deputy from the department, who is accused of violating the child’s rights and federal disability laws.

Allegations and Violations:

Emily and Ishmael DeJesus claim that Deputy Benjamin Jacquot, a school resource officer, brutally beat their second-grader son and took the disturbing step of deleting the bodycam footage capturing the incident.

The lawsuit asserts violations of the Fourth and 14th Amendments, along with breaches of federal disability laws.

Background and Education Plan:

The young boy, with a neuro-divergent disability and ADHD, was part of an individualized education plan at Freedom Elementary School.

The plan included lunchtime check-ins at the principal’s office. The incident occurred after the boy made unpleasant comments to a lunch cashier, leading to discussions about an apology.

Violent Escalation:

On February 15, 2022, following a meeting with the principal, Deputy Jacquot, who was aware of the boy’s disability, allegedly escalated the situation.

The complaint describes the deputy forcibly wrestling the child into a conference room, causing injuries, including bleeding on the face.

The lawsuit contends that Jacquot, weighing 280 pounds at the time, slammed the boy’s face onto the floor multiple times.

Bodycam Footage and Disturbing Scenes:

The lawsuit details the deletion of bodycam footage capturing the violent encounter. It describes the child being pinned under Deputy Jacquot, screaming and crying in pain and fear.

The young boy, allegedly saying ‘I give up,’ faced further distress as the deputy reportedly shouted threats.

Aftermath and Psychological Impact:

Following the incident, the principal called the boy’s father, Ishmael DeJesus, who engaged in a verbal dispute with Jacquot before taking his son to the hospital.

The complaint reveals that the traumatic event led the child to attend a school for children with emotional disturbances, causing permanent psychological injuries and a fear of law enforcement.

Legal Grounds and Lawsuit Demands:

The lawsuit argues that Jacquot received no re-training after the violent incident, asserting violations of the Fourth Amendment and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The parents seek compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs, through a jury trial.

Response and Seeking Comment:

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Laramie County Sheriff’s Department and the Laramie County Clerk for their response to the lawsuit.

The case raises concerns about the alleged assault on a disabled child and the subsequent impact on his well-being.

Conclusion:

As the legal proceedings unfold, the lawsuit sheds light on a disturbing incident that has left a disabled child with lasting psychological injuries.

The call for justice raises questions about the conduct of law enforcement officers and the protection of the rights of vulnerable individuals.