The city of Lancaster, South Carolina, has agreed to pay a $120,000 settlement to a woman who filed a lawsuit alleging racial profiling and wrongful arrest. The plaintiff, Anaysheon Coffey, claimed she was harassed and arrested without probable cause by a former Lancaster police officer in August 2020. While the city denied the allegations, the settlement was reached to resolve the case.
Allegations of Unwarranted Entry and Arrest
The lawsuit, filed in 2023, detailed the accusations against former officer Peter Beck. Coffey’s complaint stated that Beck allegedly entered her home and searched her property without a warrant before arresting her. Her attorney, Tyler Bailey, emphasized that the resolution of the case sends a strong message regarding racial profiling and harassment.
Legal Action Highlights Departmental Issues
The legal complaint not only focused on the officer’s actions but also raised concerns about the Lancaster Police Department’s alleged failure to properly train its officers and address misconduct. The officer in question, Peter Beck, has since resigned from the police department. Despite the settlement, city officials continue to deny the allegations.
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