Groups challenge anonymous former trooper’s lawsuit against Rhode Island State Police

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The ACLU of Rhode Island said Wednesday that attorneys filed a motion to challenge a former state trooper’s lawsuit against Rhode Island State Police.

Those attorneys are representing Black Lives Matter Rhode Island, Direct Action for Rights and Equality, and the ACLU of Rhode Island.

The former trooper, who filed the suit under “John Doe” earlier this year, was fired after being found “heavily intoxicated” on a day where he didn’t show up for work.

“John Doe” had previously been suspended for two days and also an additional probationary period for not notifying superiors that he was dating a subordinate, according to the ACLU.

The groups either want the lawsuit to be dismissed or the ex-trooper to be required to include his real name in court documents. They argue that “the presumption against allowing a litigant to proceed under a pseudonym applies especially strongly against a public official when he chooses to file suit in court over a matter involving official misconduct and government operations.”

“As a public servant, this state trooper must stand behind the claims he makes in attempting to get justice through the court system, just as anyone in DARE’s community would be forced to do,” said DARE interim executive director Christopher Samih-Rotondo.

“This motion makes a simple point: The public has a right to know the names of people bringing suit in Rhode Island courts. That right especially applies when a public official goes to court to challenge allegations of official misconduct. A police officer who is accused of misconduct has no right to remain anonymous when he chooses to publicly challenge allegations against him,” ACLU of RI cooperating attorney Jared Goldstein added.

Doe’s lawsuit claims that his firing violated the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights.

“The officer referred to as John Doe seeks to avoid basic transparency, which is empowered by the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights by providing a pathway to granting his wish,” said BLM RI PAC executive director Harrison Tuttle.