We all knew it was coming and now it’s official:
Three former Duke lacrosse players falsely accused of rape filed a federal civil lawsuit Friday, seeking an unspecified amount in punitive and compensatory damages, as well as numerous reforms to the way the Durham Police Department handles criminal investigations.
The 155-page complaint – filed against the city of Durham, former District Attorney Mike Nifong, former police Chief Steve Chalmers and several police detectives and officers – seeks damages that would punish the defendants “for outrageous conduct pursued out of actual malice” that violated the players’ civil rights.
It calls for the appointment of an independent monitor who would oversee the police department for 10 years and have the power to hire, fire and promote police department personnel, including the chief of police.
More details here.