GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News has learned a judge dismissed complaints against the county and a production house involved in a lawsuit filed against the popular TV show "COPS" and Gwinnett County police.
A local woman claims an officer planted drugs on her and showed off to the cameras during an arrest in 2013.
Channel 2’s Carl Willis obtained a copy of the court's findings, where most of the defendants were let off the hook.
But the officer accused of planting cocaine to make arrests for the cameras could be headed to court after the woman’s arrest aired on television and was posted online for thousands to see.
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Elizabeth Butler's attorney has been positive
was simply Gwinnett County police Officer Paul Tremblay showing off for the cameras and violating her constitutional rights.
"We feel that not only did he not have probable cause to arrest, he also falsified the evidence to put her in jail," said John Burdges, Butler’s attorney.
Burdges filed suit against Gwinnett County, the former and current police chief, the company that produces "COPS" and Officer Tremblay.
Friday, the court made a ruling dismissing most of the complaints.
"The only defendant left is Officer Tremblay," Burdges said.
The court denied the officer official immunity and found that Butler properly alleged that the officer acted with intent when he allegedly planted cocaine.
Willis contacted Gwinnett County police for reaction to the latest developments against Tremblay, but they told Willis they have no comment on the case and that there was never an internal affairs investigation completed.
"That can only be construed one way, is that they approve of his conduct," Burdges said. "They can conduct an internal affairs investigation. They don't need my permission to do so."
But with the court's ruling, the case goes forward.
"It's simply justice for the young lady that got accused," Burdges told Willis. "We hope to have our day in court..."
All of the charges against Butler have been dropped, but her attorney says she has been damaged by the case and even moved out of Gwinnett County.
The officer is still on the job working with Gwinnett County’s police K-9 unit.
Cox Media Group
