Jan 6, 2008 4:16 pm US/Eastern
Man Claims Police Officer Sexually Assaulted Him
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
A Baltimore City man is claiming explosive allegations against three city police officers.
Peggy Lee reports Steven Vernarelli says he was sexually assaulted by one of the officers while the other two watched.
Vernarelli claims both his rights and person were violated after being abused by three Baltimore City police officers.
He and his lawyer say they've told the city their plans to file a $100 million civil lawsuit against the officers.
"It's the most horrible thing that's ever happened to me. One minute I'm walking down the street, the next minute my life is totally changed," said Vernarelli.
The allegations began at Jefferson and Curly streets on Oct. 22 when Vernarelli says he and a friend were approached by the officers, who asked if they had money or weapons.
Vernarelli told them he had $20.
"He took the money, and he started ripping it up into shreds. And he took it and twisted it up in a pointed object, and he pulled the front of my pants down and sprinkled some down my pants. And then he reached behind me and shoved the twisted pieces into my rectum," said Vernarelli.
Vernarelli says the two other officers stood by laughing. Then he says the officer told them to go.
"He said you got five seconds to get the "f" out of here," said Vernarelli.
"We want to send a message to Baltimore City, to the Baltimore City police department and to the state that this will not be tolerated," said attorney Gary Bowen.
Vernarelli says after he was treated at Mercy Hospital, he called police and told them what happened.
He says he identified the officers through photos shown during the police investigation, but was never told their names.
"I've had trouble sleeping at night, and when I get to sleep, I have nightmares," said Vernarelli.
Baltimore City Police say it's their policy not to discuss pending litigation and could not comment on this case.
Vernarelli's attorney says he plans to file once they learn the names of the officers.
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