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Lovejoy files claim against Arpaio for $350K
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LIGHTER MOMENT: Sgt. Tom Lovejoy and his wife Carolynn share a lighter moment in their Gilbert home August 18, 2008, while talking with Tribune reporter Nick Martin about the year long ordeal involving the death Chandler K-9 Bandit.
Tony D'Astoli, Tribune
He spent more than a year living on both sides of the law - part police officer, part criminal defendant.
NOTICE OF CLAIM: Document filed in the case
Now, after his acquittal on animal cruelty in the death of his police dog, Chandler Sgt. Tom Lovejoy is demanding Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio pay up for putting him in that position in the first place.
Acquitted Chandler cop lashes out at Arpaio
Chandler cop acquitted in animal cruelty case
Trial to start in death of Chandler police dog
On Wednesday, Lovejoy filed a written claim with the sheriff's office asking for $350,000 for the professional and personal damage caused by what he called the sheriff's "tough-guy TV antics."
In the 12-page document, Lovejoy and his attorney, Michael Manning, accuse Arpaio and deputies of pursuing the case for publicity, even though it had no legal basis. Such acts "will be his only legacy," the document says.
The filing sets the stage for a possible lawsuit by Lovejoy and his family. If the sheriff doesn't respond or declines to settle, Lovejoy is legally entitled to sue.
Arpaio's office did not respond to a request for comment. In the past, the sheriff has stood by his decision to pursue the case.
Lovejoy was arrested by deputies last year after his police dog, Bandit, died from being left in the back of a vehicle for nearly 13 hours.
In August, a year after his arrest, Lovejoy was acquitted in San Tan Justice Court on a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge that stemmed from the investigation.
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