North Carolina AG’s Office; Judges Face Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit for Violations Including False Arrest

Raleigh, NC – August 2024: A 15-count federal lawsuit has been filed against the Office of the North Carolina Attorney General and four Wake County Family Court Judges, citing systemic civil rights violations under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, including false arrest and wrongful detention. Filed on July 30, 2024, by plaintiffs Michael Scott Davis and Stetson Mansfield Webster, the lawsuit names the NC Attorney General’s Office in its official capacity, along with Lead Domestic Court Judge Brian Ratledge and Family Court Judges Julie Bell, Damion McCullers, and Jennifer Bedford in both their official and individual capacities as defendants.

Included in the lawsuit’s 15 documented incidents is the wrongful arrest and detainment of Michael Scott Davis without evidence, notice, or opportunity to comply with court orders. Similarly, Stetson Mansfield Webster was unjustly detained despite his proven compliance with court-mandated obligations. These actions, described as egregious violations of the plaintiffs’ civil rights, have inflicted significant emotional and financial distress on both the plaintiffs and their families.

Court documents reveal that the plaintiffs made exhaustive efforts over several years to obtain relief, including formal complaints to the North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission (NCJSC). However, despite clear evidence of both federal and state constitutional violations, their efforts were met with denial, inaction, and retaliation, making federal intervention necessary to address these injustices.

“This case underscores the urgent need for federal intervention when state courts fail to uphold the rights of individuals,” the plaintiffs stated. “We seek to hold those accountable who have willfully and repeatedly violated our rights under both federal and North Carolina state constitutions.”

The lawsuit also includes a request for a criminal referral under 18 U.S.C. § 242, which addresses the deprivation of constitutional rights under color of law. The actions of the defendants are presented as meeting the criteria for such a referral, with federal authorities called upon to investigate.

For more details, you can view the full press release and related court documents on the Leverage The Law website. Additionally, if you are dealing with issues related to family court or parental alienation, visit our blog at Beyond Parental Alienation for helpful insights and legal tips.

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis or Stetson Webster at contact@levergethelaw.com