Trial involving former Sheriff David Clarke underway in Milwaukee
Updated: 4:15 p.m. on January 22, 2018
UPDATE: MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The civil case against former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke continues.
The trial revolves around a run-in with the former Sheriff and a man on an airplane.
Cameras are not allowed inside the Federal Courthouse where the hearing is still underway. Jurors are determining whether Clarke violated Black's first amendment rights and if so, what damages he is entitled to.
Seven jurors were picked Monday morning. The plaintiff, Daniel Black, and his attorney were in attendance. Clarke's attorney is also in attendance but the former Sheriff is not.
So far, six witnesses included Black's parents, an ex-girlfriend, two friends, and Black himself have taken the stand. The trial all stems from an incident on a flight from Dallas to Milwaukee.
According to the lawsuit, Black shook his head at Clarke in disapproval because he was wearing Dallas Cowboys gear.
Deputies then detained and questioned Black at the airport. It was followed by a "taunting Facebook post" written by the SHeriff.
While on the stand, Black shed some tears claiming the whole thing has caused him several emotional injuries like sleepless nights, humiliation, broken relationships, and an inability to find a job.
Black is asking for money to help get therapy for the emotional distress he's going through, but overall says he wants to make sure something like this doesn't happen to anyone else.
Clarke's attorney said he did not know where the former Sheriff is. After leaving his positions with the county, the former Sheriff moved to Virginia. The case is expected to wrap up within the next few hours.
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Posted: 12:45 p.m. on January 22, 2018
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – The trial against former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke began Monday morning at the U.S. Federal building and Courthouse.
Clarke did not show up to the trial. The plaintiff, Daniel Black, is scheduled to testify.
The seven person jury was selected around 11 a.m. It is made up of five women and two men. The trial stems from an incident on a flight from Dallas to Milwaukee. According to the lawsuit, Black shook his head at Clarke in disapproval because he was wearing Dallas Cowboys gear. Deputies then detained and questioned Black at the airport.
The incident was followed by a taunting Facebook post written by Clarke. The purpose of the trial is to determine if Clarke violated Black’s First Amendment rights and if so, what damages Black is entitled to.
The trial is expected to be complete by 6 p.m. on Monday.