You said — Money? What frickin’ money? Why wasn’t that in your original post? A reported theft, even if later disproved, throws a whole ‘nother level of complexity onto the case.
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It does raise “red flags” with a lot of people — but — it shouldn’t change the *rights* that everyone has. And in this situation, it doesn’t matter whether someone is a Democrat or a Republic, or a reported criminal (in the past) and a gang member or a mafia-type guy or just a normal citizen — everyone gets the *same rights* in all cases....
I find — actually — that many here don’t think that “criminals” get the same rights as innocent people, actually... :-)
I'm not among them. I completely agree with you.
However, politicalmerc, as innocent as he may be, did not tell us all the relevant facts in his first post. He was accused of theft by another citizen. The fact that the local gestapo were actually investigating a reported theft does complicate the case a bit.
In fact, I'm surprised politicalmerc wasn't actually taken to the police station and held while his side of the story was checked out.
None of this excuses improper police behavior. That recording will be demanded in discovery, and if politicalmerc is accurate in all of his assertions, he will have a successful day in court... or settle before that day.
It is the lack of a search warrant or arrest warrant that sends me a red flag.
No search or arrest warrant and then arrested for obstruction of justice? Depending on the facts of the case and laws, Police might be on shaky ground. Certainly possible grounds for a lawsuit against the department.