Staff Report SCOTTSBORO – Former Scottsboro Police Officer Ryan Manning filed a malicious prosecution lawsuit against the City of Scottsboro and the Scottsboro Police Department, according to reports from WHNT and WAFF in Huntsville. In December 2021, Manning was arrested and charged with child abuse for allegedly harming his infant daughter, who reportedly had multiple bone fractures. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency(ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) conducted the investigation. In June 2023, Manning’s trial was held, and on June 16, a Jackson County jury found him not guilty of all charges. Manning names the City of Scottsboro, the Scottsboro Police Department (SPD), Chief Ron Latimer, and three officers in the suit. He alleges that the Chief and three officers under the supervision of the City and the SPD maliciously caused the prosecution, via criminal proceedings against Mr. Manning, by specifically directing SBI to characterize Officer Manning as a child abuse suspect. WAFF reports that in the 12-page lawsuit filed by Manning’s attorneys, Attorney Mithcell J. Howie stated, “They were part of a concerted effort to generate a false narrative against our client that has led to the collateral damage that we are trying to correct.” WHNT states that the lawsuit alleges that the officers were instructed by SBI Special Agent Senior (SAS) Joe Parrish to classify Manning as the only suspect in the case prior to evidence being discovered that indicated Manning was responsible. Manning also claims that SPD senior members instructed officers to refrain from giving positive information on his behalf both before and after the indictment. The lawsuit accuses the defendants of invasion of privacy, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and more. Lawyers say Manning is seeking damages for the distress and financial harm he endured as a result of the accusations.
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