L.A. Deputies Taser Man's Genitals 10 Times For No Reason

[The Core DJ's]

By Allison Geller, Courthouse News Service

Daniel Johnson is suing the Los Angeles sheriff’s department, claiming that two deputies Tasered his genitals until he could “smell is flesh burning” after they fined his father $1,000 for dropping a cigarette outside their home.

Courthouse News Service reports that Johnson, a 26-year-old man, said that two deputies, "Abdulfattah" and "Russell" wrote his 58-year-old father a citation for littering in December of 2012. Johnson questioned why they had given his father a $1,000 fine, along with eight months of community service, for such a small crime—particularly since his father has nerve damage to his hand, which is why he dropped the cigarette.

"Deputy Abdulfattah responded by belligerently threatening Mr. Johnson, telling him that 'I can write you a ticket too if you want,'" the federal lawsuit states.

Johnson says he did not threaten, resist, or raise his voice in any way. His mother told him to go back into the house, having come out to see what was going on. When Johnson turned to walk away, Russell grabbed him and tried to slam him into the police car and then into a concrete post. Johnson asked why he was being attacked, while his alarmed parents told the officers to “leave him alone” because “he hasn’t done anything wrong.”

The officers responded by continuing to brutalize Johnson. Russell put him in a full Nelson while Abdulfattah punched Johnson’s father in the face. He then tackled Johnson to the ground, and Abdulfattah began “repeatedly” Tasing him in the genitals.

"He was not moving or resisting in any way when Deputy Abdulfattah began to Tase him. Mr. Johnson could smell his flesh burning from the Tases and he was screaming in pain,” the complaint read. “Abdulfattah continued to intentionally shoot his Taser at plaintiff's genitals every couple seconds. Mr. Johnson begged Abdulfattah to stop Tasing him. His mother and father repeatedly asked Abdulfattah to stop Tasing him. Deputy Abdulfattah did not stop."

Johnson was arrested for battery after being shocked 10 times. He was taken to the hospital and then the police station—the pins from the Taser still in his clothes.

Johnson is seeking damages for excessive force, false arrest, violations of the Constitution and civil rights, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.