FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A mentally ill woman who was forcefully dragged through the Broward County Courthouse while shackled by a Broward sheriff's deputy has filed a federal lawsuit against Sheriff Scott Israel.
Dasyl Rios is accusing the deputy involved of excessive use of force, battery and infliction of emotional distress among other claims.
The inmate was being disruptive and uncooperative in court when Deputy Christopher Smith, who is also named in the lawsuit, grabbed her and dragged her through the courthouse, which was captured on video by JAABlog's Bill Gelin.
The lawsuit alleges that Israel was aware there was "inadequate and incompetent staffing" at the courthouse and that there were no rules in place or proper training in place to prevent such abuse.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office makes it a practice not to comment on pending litigation
The deputy involved was investigated internally and while no charges were filed against him .. He was given a reprimand for his conduct