"Malicious prosecution" is a real thing, and there are a number of sites noting options: 1) compensatory damages, 2) emotional distress damages, 3) punitive damages awards when the prosecution was "driven by spite or retribution," and 4) reputational damage. And more than one can apply.
But if a civil complaint is lodged, then individuals can be forced to testify or plead the fifth which would indicate a potential crime was involved. But when testimony is about someone other than yourself, the fifth would not apply. Were I a pro bono civil rights lawyer, I'd be salivating.
Aren’t these suits covered by taxpayer dollars? I wish it were only the Defendants personal responsibility. They need skin in the game on such malicious actions