4 Wake County Judges Named in 15 Count Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit: Retaliation Concerns Emerge

Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit North Carolina First Amended

RALEIGH, NC – September 2024: A federal lawsuit has been filed against the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office and four Wake County Family Court Judges, alleging systemic civil rights violations under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, including false arrest and wrongful detention. Plaintiffs Michael Scott Davis and Stetson Mansfield Webster, who filed the lawsuit on July 30, 2024, and an amended version on August 20, 2024, name the Attorney General’s Office in its official capacity, as well as Judges Brian Ratledge, Julie Bell, Damion McCullers, and Jennifer Bedford in both their official and individual capacities.

The lawsuit alleges constitutional violations such as the wrongful arrest and detention of Michael Scott Davis without evidence or opportunity to comply with court orders. Similarly, Stetson Mansfield Webster was incarcerated for two weeks during the holidays despite compliance with court-mandated obligations. These actions, described as violations of the plaintiffs’ Fourteenth Amendment rights, have caused significant emotional and financial harm.

Civil Rights at Stake:

The plaintiffs highlight due process failures within the Wake County judiciary involving multiple court officers. The actions taken against them reflect a pattern of judicial misconduct, underscoring the need for federal oversight to ensure constitutional protections are upheld.

Concerns Over Retaliation:

Court records show both plaintiffs experienced a higher degree of due process before 2021, with significant issues emerging afterward. Based on these experiences in the Wake County Family Court, the plaintiffs are concerned about potential retaliation as their lawsuit progresses. For Plaintiff Davis, these concerns also include the actions of a well-connected attorney named in the lawsuit, whose actions have contributed to the current judicial atmosphere.

While the plaintiffs are not making specific predictions, they are taking steps to publicly voice their concerns. These efforts include documenting the case thoroughly and ensuring that the public and legal community are informed of its progress. They emphasize the need for vigilant oversight to safeguard their rights and ensure a fair trial.

Call for Public and Legal Scrutiny:

“This lawsuit is about protecting our civil rights and ensuring a fair judicial process,” said Davis. “Given our previous experiences, it’s vital that the public and legal experts monitor this case to maintain the integrity of the process.”

The lawsuit also requests a criminal referral under 18 U.S.C. § 242, addressing the deprivation of constitutional rights under color of law. The plaintiffs call on federal authorities to investigate the actions described in the lawsuit while stressing the importance of a transparent legal process.

Need for Federal Intervention:

The plaintiffs aim to highlight the necessity of federal intervention when state courts allegedly fail to protect constitutional rights. They urge civil rights organizations, legal experts, and the public to closely monitor the proceedings to ensure justice.