SANTA ANA – Fired Fullerton police Officer Manuel Ramos has filed a court motion requesting immunity in any future federal criminal proceedings if he answers certain questions in a scheduled April civil deposition about the 2011 death of Kelly Thomas.

In January, a jury found Ramos not guilty of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in the deadly altercation with Thomas, who was homeless and unarmed at the time.

The same jury acquitted Cpl. Jay Cicinelli, also a former Fullerton police officer, of involuntary manslaughter and assault under the color of authority.

Kelly Thomas’ father, Ron Thomas, in 2012 filed a civil suit against the city of Fullerton, former Chief Michael Sellers, Ramos and others connected with the police department claiming the use of excessive force.

Following the acquittals in the criminal trial, Ron Thomas publicly called on the Department of Justice to file federal charges against Ramos and Cicinelli. The FBI has said its investigation into Kelly Thomas’ death remains open and that it will evaluate evidence from the local criminal trial.

The FBI has obtained criminal-investigation records from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and has requested transcripts from the criminal trial, according to a motion Ramos filed March 20 in Orange County Superior Court.

“Defendant Ramos is facing possible criminal prosecution involving the same facts as the civil action and therefore has no obligation to disclose to the plaintiffs information he reasonably believes might be used against him in a criminal proceeding,” the motion says.

According to the motion, Ramos wants immunity if he testifies to:

• What he said during the incident tied to Kelly Thomas’ death.

• What he did and what he heard other officers say during the incident.

• What he saw Kelly Thomas do and any other observations he made during the incident.

If immunity isn’t granted, Ramos has requested a protective order limiting the scope of questioning from Ron Thomas’ attorney.

Attorney David D. Lawrence, who is representing Ramos, declined to comment on the motion. Garo Mardirossian, who is Ron Thomas’ lawyer, could not be reached for comment.

Contact the writer: 714-704-3795 sschwebke@ocregister.com Twitter: @thechalk