Carlin man files civil rights suit against city

Attorneys for Russell Nethery filed the suit last week in U.S. District Court in Reno. It names former Police Chief Larry Stokes, Acting Chief Jess Coleman and officers Peggy Sandoval and Tom Collins as defendants.

The suit alleges the two officers entered Nethery's residence without a warrant on Sept. 5, 1997, awakened him and then arrested him for allegedly stealing a pizza from a local business.

The suit said when Nethery asked to call his stepmother, Justice of the Peace Barbara Nethery, he was told he was under arrest and wouldn't be making any phone calls. It further alleged the officers struck him on the back of his legs and grabbed him behind by his shirt collar.

Charges against Nethery were later dismissed, the suit said.

City Attorney Bob Goicoechea said the suit was being turned over to the city's insurance carrier.

On Wednesday, 22 other complaints against the police force were submitted to City Manager Bill Deist.

The complaints follow allegations of brutality lodged against Pullman and officer Tom Collins in August by the mother of a 17-year-old teen-ager who claimed her son was beaten while handcuffed.

The Elko County Sheriff's Office investigated and said witnesses did not support the allegation.

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