For release – November 18, 2019
SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE DISMISSES FALSE IMPRISONMENT AND NEGLIGENCE LAWSUIT AGAINST THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO AND
THE SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
On August 29, 2019, a false imprisonment and negligence lawsuit was dismissed against the County of San Bernardino and the Sheriff’s Department. The lawsuit stems from plaintiff Sean Criddle’s time in custody in a San Bernardino County Jail. In January 2017, Sean Criddle was arrested and booked into a San Bernardino County Jail for attempted murder. He remained in custody while his case proceeded through the judicial process. On January 12, 2018, pursuant to a plea bargain, Criddle was sentenced to two years state prison with credit for time served. The order of release was issued on January 12th, but was not received by the jail until January 16th.
On February 6, 2019, the County of San Bernardino was served with a lawsuit claiming false imprisonment and negligence. Criddle was represented by attorneys James Terrell and Sharon Brunner. On April 22, 2019 attorney Sharon Brunner filed a motion to be relieved as counsel, citing a conflict of interest between her and her client. Criddle never amended his complaint and the Order of Dismissal was granted.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department encourages the public to become informed on civil court cases. State lawsuits can be reviewed at http://www.sb-court.org/divisions/civil-general-information/court-case-information-and-document-sales. To review federal lawsuits, an account can be created on www.pacer.gov. With this account information, cases can be reviewed by any member of the public.
Deputy Report # 191700299
San Bernardino County Civil Court Case # CIVDS1900235
