As one of the attorneys representing Henry Lee Sanders III, I am steadfast in our pursuit of justice in a
case that highlights a significant breach of civil rights. In November 2022, Mr. Sanders was subjected to a wrongful traffic stop and arrest by members of the Florence Police Department, leading to a harrowing experience that questions the integrity of our law enforcement processes.
The Incident
Mr. Sanders was pulled over by Florence police officers near Burlington Pike and Utz Avenue, with the police erroneously identifying his vehicle as stolen. This mistake led to a series of unjust actions, including Mr. Sanders being handcuffed, interrogated without being informed of his rights, and wrongfully accused of stealing his own car.
The Wrongful Charges
Despite a thorough database search revealing that Mr. Sanders’s car, a 1996 Ford Crown Victoria, had been recovered after a previous theft report, the officers charged him with disorderly conduct and impounded his vehicle. This charge was eventually dismissed with prejudice, but not before Mr. Sanders suffered unnecessary distress and financial loss.
Our Legal Action
In response to this egregious violation of Mr. Sanders’s rights, we have filed a lawsuit against the Florence Police Department, Police Chief Tom Grau, and the involved officers. Our suit alleges violations of the Fourth Amendment, excessive force, official misconduct, and wrongful prosecution. We are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorney fees and court costs.
A Clear Miscarriage of Justice
It is apparent that Mr. Sanders was not only wrongfully stopped and arrested but was also a victim of a system that failed to recognize its mistake and instead, pursued baseless charges against him. As his legal representative, I am committed to ensuring that justice is served, not just for Mr. Sanders but as a stand against such miscarriages of justice.
The Road Ahead
The case, which we are pushing to be tried by a jury, is a stark reminder of the importance of accountability in law enforcement. We stand firm in our belief that the officers and the police department must be held responsible for their actions.
At The Kemper Law Office, we are not just lawyers; we are defenders of the wrongly accused and champions of the rights of individuals like Henry Lee Sanders III. This case is not merely about redressal for one man; it’s about upholding the principles of justice and fair play in our society.