4th Amendment Violation Unlawful Seizure and Malicious Prosecution.

Byline: Derek Hawkins

7th Circuit Court of Appeals

Case Name: Shirlena Barnes v. City of Centralia, Illinois, et al.

Case No.: 19-1377

Officials: WOOD, Chief Judge, and KANNE and BRENNAN, Circuit Judges.

Focus: 4th Amendment Violation Unlawful Seizure and Malicious Prosecution

While arresting gang members in Centralia, Illinois, police officer Michael Peebles felt intimidated when Shirlena Barnes, a city resident with gang connections, drove up and yelled derogatory epithets. Later, Barnes posted statements on social media that Peebles believed threatened him and his family. As a private citizen, Peebles submitted a complaint to the police department and participated no further. After a police investigation, Barnes was arrested, and a criminal prosecution followed. The state later dismissed the charges, and Barnes sued Peebles and...