The Cobb Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to settle a federal civil rights lawsuit filed against the county and six Cobb police officers by a woman who claimed they violated her constitutional rights nearly five years ago.
The board voted 5-0 to pay Sharon DeArmond and her attorney a total of $250,000 stemming from a 2017 incident on Windy Hill Road.
The lawsuit, filed in 2019, alleges that the officers—including Ofc. Collin Robles, Lt. Bruce Danz and Ofc. Kelvin Ramirez who were identified in the settlement agreement—unlawfully detained her.
Her suit, which was filed in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, charged police with illegal search and seizure, false arrest and causing her emotional distress.
The suit claims that on the evening of Oct. 12, 2017, DeArmond, an Uber driver, dropped off a passenger at an extended stay hotel on Interstate North Parkway.
She then drove to a parking lot between the Pappasito’s and Pappadeaux restaurants on Windy Hill Road and waited for her next fare, according to the suit.
DeArmond she stopped to light a cigarette when officers approached her with their police lights on and aimed their guns at her.
Her lawsuit claims DeArmond’s phone was taken from her and police searched her car without explaining why. An officer ordered her to be handcuffed and she was told her previous rider was a prostitute.
DeArmond says in her suit she was placed in the back seat of one of the police cars and was taken to a parking lot of a nearby office park, which was poorly lit.
She said an officer searched through her purse and was eventually allowed to drive away, but “was in no condition to continue driving Uber for the night,” the lawsuit states.
According to the settlement agreement, DeArmond will receive $146,238 and her attorney, Lisa Lambert, will be paid $103,762.
The commissioners added the settlement agreement vote to their agenda and did not discuss the matter before the unanimous vote.
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I am not surprised at this settlement. This county is desperate to save face and is probably settling it to avoid the news avalanche that would have happened if the case did not settle.
It’s beyond ridiculous – I just got a code enforcement ticket for land that I literally do not own. Over a truck that I legally cannot move or get rid of (that I did not park!) because I do not hold title to the truck.
I’ve been forced to mow real estate owned by speculators and hedge funds for fifteen years to avoid tickets for tall grass on that land. I am not exactly thrilled with this county, and am honestly considering a lawsuit… again.
The CCPD have enabled prostitution in that location for decades .
A great way to line the county’s coffers .
As Cobb County’s unofficial biographer , I’m shocked to hear about this settlement . The county refused to settle with me . May I know the color of the Uber – driver ?
Thank you
Exactly. JY is right to ask. What process steps has the department taken to prevent similar events in the future. If the fix doesn’t get the attention of all Cobb Police, all the effort is wasted.
While I’ve always been treated respectfully and professionally by Cobb Police, I can also believe that others have different experiences. I have had all charges dropped after losing a day of work in traffic court, thanks to an overzealous cop who must have been having a terrible day. The number of tickets written required court.
No two interactions are the same and we ask much from our police who see the best and the worst of our community. We just want all interactions to be the best possible, while not placing the police officers in any unnecessary danger.
BS ,
That’s some pure BS ! You’re funny .
No offense.
Sharon DeArmond should get a great citizen award. What a thoughtful wonderful citizen. I wish she was my neighbor. And her attorney, what a great person. Always putting the “Deep Pocket” rule first. What an example of a good citizen.
Joe ,
LOL !
God bless
The above article does not state what corrective actions were taken to address the officers’ misconduct. This is taxpayers’ monies that’s being used to settle this lawsuit
JY ,
Because none were taken …this is politics .
Cobb County police use terror tactics learned through the GILEE exchange program( Georgia-Israel) Cobb citizens are policed like they are living under occupation in Gaza (with mass surveillance and an all inclusive smile ) .
Had this Uber – driver been just a regular citizen, the county would have looked the other way and a another innocent person would have been made a criminal by the Cobb Justice Machine.
Even local pro law enforcement stooge , Joann Birrell who always blames the victim, voted for a settlement.
Cobb couldn’t handle the potential bad pr from Uber and put this fire out without debate .
God bless .
I’m also the author of The Cobb Way , or : How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Embrace The New World Order . ( my brush with the deep state in conservative Cobb County, Georgia.)
I’m open to new theories.
Thank you