Case – University Police Department Sexual Harassment

December 3, 2024 | By Lewis Law
Case – University Police Department Sexual Harassment

Lewis Law has filed a lawsuit documenting serious allegations of sexual harassment and police misconduct involving Fort Valley State University campus police sergeant Wilbur Bryant. In his 16 years with the Fort Valley State University campus police force, more than half of a dozen women have come forward with allegations of inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment against Sgt. Bryant.

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University Police Department Sexual Harassment

Despite these allegations, an investigation uncovered the college kept them quiet for over ten years while Sgt. Bryant remained on the force. Accusers allege a "Culture of sexual impropriety that went all the way to the top of the campus police department," and evidence suggests merit in their claim.

Lewis Law represents a lawsuit a student and her family filed against the veteran police sergeant, who once was part of the university president's security detail. Evidence of harassment and misconduct can be heard on an audio recording of a phone call capturing Bryant telling the freshman student, “To make love to you would be great. If I'm willing to put my job on the line for you, what that [sic] tell you?”

A History of Sexual Harassment and Police Misconduct 

Sexual harassment coverups on university campuses are common and entirely reprehensible. Multiple campus security officers reported Sgt. Bryant (as early as 2011) for inappropriate conduct, with Kellie Williams noting intimidation into a non-consensual sexual relationship. Williams admits to feeling isolated, stating, “I felt for a long time that it was just me.”

However, that isn’t the case. Regina McCrary, another campus security officer, also filed a sexual harassment complaint against Sgt. Bryant and campus police chief Kenneth Morgan. McCrary explained,  “I couldn't go to my superiors within campus police because Chief Morgan was the chief.”

While an internal investigation led to Morgan's suspension, there wasn't enough evidence to investigate Sgt. Bryant further. A campus disciplinary review committee later disagreed with the campus compliance officer’s conclusion, saying they should have taken disciplinary action against Sgt. Bryant.

Despite the allegations, both perpetrators remained on the campus police force. At the same time, a third-ranking officer in the department was facing a sexual harassment claim. McCrary correctly acknowledges the appearance of their “Being in cahoots together.”

When Williams tried to report Sgt. Bryan, Chief Morgan, and a third sergeant of sexual misconduct to her supervisor, she said she was met with this response: “He said, Fort Valley State, it’s not who you know. It’s who you blow. And you’re going to have sex with somebody if you’re going to work here.” This lude response is another example of police misconduct and sexual harassment within the university’s police force that Lewis Law is fighting against. It’s inexcusable.

Documented Police Department Misconduct

Documents demonstrate that despite being informed about several misconduct allegations, the university's president allowed the officers to stay on the job. The accusers reasonably believe the university president and Board of Regents should have done something after several women accused three of the top members of its police force of sexual misconduct.

Lewis Law believes they knew they could get away with it behind the small-town dynamics working to protect the accused. Chief Morgan was reassigned but fired four months into the investigation. Sgt. Bryant has been booked into the Peach County jail and charged with three felonies—including violating an oath by a public officer.

Key Points to Prosecuting a Civil Rights Lawsuit 

A civil rights lawsuit is a civil case in which a plaintiff claims an individual or entity violated their civil rights. It typically involves government action and seeks legal remedies and compensation. Key points to prosecuting a civil rights lawsuit include establishing civil rights violations, government action involved, and the burden of proof.

Civil Rights Violations

Naturally, civil rights lawsuits focus on civil rights violations. These cases are not handled in criminal court. Civil rights complaints include allegations and facts the plaintiff believes show the defendant is responsible for civil rights violations. In this case, the allegations and facts demonstrate that Sgt. Bryant should be liable for sexual harassment and police misconduct.

Government Action Involved

The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant acted under "color of law." That means the defendant is a government official or acting with government authority when violating the plaintiff's civil rights. In this case, Sgt. Bryant violated the plaintiff's civil rights while working as a sergeant for the Fort Valley State University campus police for over 16 years.

The Burden of Proof

In civil rights lawsuits, the plaintiff has the burden of proof. It's up to them and their civil rights attorney to convince a jury that their proceedings are factual and that damages were suffered due to the civil rights violations. Lewis Law will demonstrate that Sgt. Bryant and the Fort Valley State University campus police and university:

  • Owed the plaintiff a duty of care by providing a safe environment, including protection from sexual harassment and police misconduct.
  • Breached the duty by being perpetrators of sexual harassment and police misconduct rather than protectors.
  • Failure to act caused sexual harassment and police misconduct, resulting in damages.
  • Caused the plaintiff emotional distress, including pain and suffering, humiliation, embarrassment, or damage to their professional reputation.

The burden of proof is a vital principle in civil rights lawsuits. It ensures an optimal outcome in legal proceedings to protect the plaintiff's rights.

Awarded Damages

Lewis Law seeks justice, pain and suffering, and punitive damages for our plaintiff's civil rights violations in their lawsuit. The preponderance of the evidence is a principle involved in the burden of proof that applies in civil cases involving monetary damages. The court requires that the standard be met that the allegations are more likely true than not. Lewis Law is confident in demonstrating this principle.

Punitive damages are damages a jury or judge awards when there is a need to punish the defendant and deter others from committing horrible offenses. Due to the particularly egregious acts committed by Sgt. Bryant and the Fort Valley State University campus police force's decade-long coverup, Lewis Law, will seek punitive damages in this civil lawsuit.

Do you need a civil rights attorney? Schedule a free case evaluation. Lewis Law fights against civil rights violations and is dedicated to making our community safer.

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