SALEM, Mass. (AP) – A Massachusetts man who says he was sexually assaulted by a former police officer while in custody has filed a lawsuit against the city of Salem, its police department and the ex-officer.
The federal lawsuit filed Monday seeks unspecified damages from Salem officials for violating civil rights. The Salem News reports that it also alleges intentional infliction of emotional distress and sexual assault by former Patrolman Brian Butler.
Butler is being sued both in his individual and former official capacity. He was found guilty of indecent assault and battery last month and sentenced to at least 3 ½ years in prison.
Butler had previously alleged the assault was consensual.
City lawyer Beth Rennard says Salem has not been formally served with the complaint. The mayor’s office declined comment.
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