Inmate sues Portland officer
PORTLAND, Maine—A Maine prison inmate has sued a Portland police officer, claiming the officer used excessive force during an arrest for assault.
Jabril Mohamud is seeking $20,000 in the suit filed against Officer Jonathan Roberts. The 27-year-old Mohamud filed the complaint in state court in May but it was moved this week to federal court.
Mohamud says Roberts kicked him, used pepper spray and pushed him down the stairs after he was handcuffed. Mohamud says he broke his fall with his shoulder and knees, causing so much pain that he could not stand. Mohamud also accuses Roberts of using racial slurs.
A city lawyer tells The Portland Press Herald ( http://bit.ly/Njxepk) that Roberts denies the allegations.
Mohamud pleaded guilty to the January 2011 assault and was sentenced to a year in jail.
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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com
