Dhermy's lawsuit levels charges of illegal entry and trespass, excessive force and battery, willful and wanton misconduct, and retaliatory arrest, among other charges, against the various defendants. The suit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, as well as court costs and attorney fees.

Gover declined to comment on the matter for this story because he is listed as a defendant in the lawsuit. He also noted that he had not yet been served with notice about the filing of the suit as of mid-afternoon Thursday. Branson could not be reached for comment Thursday afternoon.

At the Nov. 5, 2013, Mattoon City Council meeting, Dhermy spoke to the council and Branson responded. As the JG-TC reported at the time, Dhermy said, “I have no problem with the officer asking the young man on my front porch if he belonged there; I have no problem with them asking the young man to come and get me; I have a problem with him coming into my home."

Branson told the council that the officer was helping investigate a series of late-night burglaries and did not enter Dhermy's residence. Branson also told the council that Dhermy later exhibited irate behavior during his meeting with the mayor, so he was told that he would be arrested if his alleged irate behavior continued.

Contact Stroud at rstroud@jg-tc.com or 217-238-6861.

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