MAINE CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION

MCLU Files Suit Against South Portland Police
Excessive Force Against Innocent Woman Violates Constitution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Portland--The MCLU Foundation sued a South Portland Police Officer today on behalf of Rosanna Morelli, a victim of police violence.  On March 3, 2006 Ms. Morelli was assaulted by a South Portland police officer, Sergeant Steven Webster, at a local Best Western hotel.  Ms. Morelli was also illegally interrogated, though she had done nothing wrong.   

“Women in South Portland cannot feel safe if the police are themselves guilty of assault,” said Barbara Goodwin, MCLU cooperating attorney with the firm of Murray, Plumb & Murray.  “Nobody should have to fear abuse at the hands of the community’s police.”

Ms. Morelli was invited to the Best Western in her capacity as an exotic dancer.  When the client offered to pay Ms. Morelli to take off all her clothes, she left but was quickly detained by Sergeant Webster, another officer and two police cadets. Ms. Morelli confirmed with the police that she was not under arrest and attempted to leave.  It was then that Sergeant Webster shoved Ms. Morelli up against the corridor wall, pinning her there and gripping her upper arms tightly enough to leave severe contusions on her arms and wrists.  Ms. Morelli also suffered a shoulder injury for which she is still receiving physical therapy 14 months after the incident.  Sergeant Webster subsequently forced Ms. Morelli back into the hotel room for questioning, despite the acknowledgement that she was not under arrest.  Ms. Morelli was subjected to hostile and abusive questioning, and then released.  After the interrogation, Ms. Morelli drove herself to Maine Medical Center for emergency treatment. 

“Excessive force erodes community trust in law enforcement,” said MCLU Legal Director Zachary Heiden.  “Almost all police officers are decent and honorable, and bad actors like these make it harder for good officers to do their job.”

On March 6, 2006, Ms. Morelli filed a complaint with the South Portland Police Department, claiming that Sergeant Webster used excessive force during their encounter at the Best Western.  In response to her complaint, Ms. Morelli received a letter dated June 8, 2006, from South Portland’s Chief of Police, Edward J. Googins.  This letter advised Ms. Morelli that her complaint had been investigated and Sergeant Webster had been exonerated, asserting that “the force used . . . was consistent with department policy…”

Rosanna Morelli v. Steven Webster was filed in US District Court in Portland.

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