A 39-year-old Baltimore police officer found innocent of 1992 charges of disturbing the peace has filed a $2 million lawsuit against a Harford County deputy sheriff for allegedly handcuffing him too tightly.
Deputy Christine R. Presbury arrested Officer Dennis Jerome Roksiewicz of the 200 block of Maple Ave. in Dundalk at the home of his former wife in the 3000 block of Cheverly Court in Abingdon on Dec. 22, 1992, District Court records showed.
Officer Roksiewicz was acquitted March 26, 1993, after a trial.
In the civil lawsuit filed in Harford County Circuit Court against the deputy and former Sheriff Robert E. Comes, Officer Roksiewicz claims that Deputy Presbury intentionally and negligently fastened the handcuffs too tightly on his wrists, causing serious, painful and permanent injury.
The plaintiff contends that he has undergone, or will need, costly treatment to alleviate the pain and suffering caused by the handcuffs.
Officer Roksiewicz, who still is employed, also claims that he suffered a loss of ability to carry out routine activities and to earn money. He is seeking $500,000 in compensatory damages for the alleged battery and $1.5 million in punitive damages.
Deputy Presbury, a veteran of 10 years, declined to comment on the lawsuit.
Karl H. Goodman of Baltimore, the plaintiff's attorney, said Officer Roksiewicz had gone to his former wife's home to visit his daughter. He said the deputy testified at the trial that his client's presence drew a crowd and caused the disturbance.
Mr. Goodman said his client suffered nerve damage in his wrists because of the deputy's actions.