Two to be Reimbursed in Civil Rights Case

Maryland's spending board voted Wednesday to reimburse two airport police officers for a $305,000 civil rights verdict rendered against them last year for violating a cab driver's civil rights by improperly arresting him and using excessive force. Comptroller Peter Franchot, one of three members on the Board of Public Works, voted against the payment because he wants attorneys for the state to appeal. Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown (filling in for Gov. Martin O'Malley) and Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp voted to reimburse the officers. In November 2008, a Baltimore jury awarded Dawit Seyoum $305,000 after finding that Maryland Transportation Officers Jeffrey Sheriff and James Meyers falsely arrested the driver in 2005, used excessive force and covered up his injuries.

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