Dale County Commission denies $2 million claim

By Ebony Horton

Published: August 25, 2008

OZARK - Six minutes after an executive session, Dale County commissioners voted unanimously Monday to deny a $2 million claim filed by two Pinckard men.

County attorney Henry Steagall said a federal lawsuit against the county had already been filed on behalf of Fred and Garret Daniels.

The lawsuit was not immediately available, but co-defendants in a draft lawsuit filed with the claim to the county last month were Hartford Police Chief Nick Finer, the City of Hartford, Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson, and attorney Buddy Williams.

The draft lawsuit alleged the Daniels endured libel, defamation and false arrest before charges were dismissed against them for conspiracy to commit murder and assault earlier this year.

According to the draft, Williams made allegations on Jan. 30 that the Daniels had contracted with a hit man to kill and assault four individuals.

It also alleged Finer pursued an investigation against the Daniels “without probable cause and without consent,” and that Olson detained the men in the same manner and stated allegations as “facts.”

The draft lawsuit asked for at least $10 million in compensatory damages and demanded the trial be heard by a jury.