In a recent decision, a federal appellate court ruled that Judith Maureen Henry, a New Jersey resident who was wrongfully arrested and detained for two weeks, cannot sue the US marshals involved because of qualified immunity.
The case dates back to 2019, when Henry was detained by U.S. marshals who incorrectly identified her as another woman with the same name. The other woman had a criminal record in Pennsylvania dating back to 1993, including drug possession and a parole violation. Henry was booked into the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark, New Jersey, as a result of this mistaken identity.
Henry argued that her arrest was wrongful and sought to hold the marshals accountable. However, a three-judge panel from the US Third Circuit Court of Appeals determined that the marshals were protected by qualified immunity. This legal doctrine shields law enforcement officers from being sued for damages as long as their actions are deemed to be in good faith and based on a valid warrant.
The court’s opinion, written by Judge Thomas Ambro, stated that the marshals’ reliance on the warrant was constitutionally valid, despite the mistake. He stated that the arrest did not violate Henry’s Fourth Amendment rights. The judge acknowledged that, while Henry’s claims of innocence were not investigated promptly, the marshals’ error was deemed reasonable given the circumstances.
Henry had repeatedly informed the marshals of her mistaken identity and requested fingerprint verification, but it was not completed until ten days later, after her transfer to Pennsylvania. Her subsequent release occurred after additional delays.
In addition to the marshals, Henry’s lawsuit included Essex County and around 30 other law enforcement officers and officials from both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She alleged various claims including abuse of process, false arrest, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The court’s ruling does not affect these other defendants.
Henry also contended that racial and socioeconomic biases influenced her wrongful arrest, but the court dismissed these claims due to insufficient evidence.
The appellate court’s decision effectively removes the marshals from the lawsuit, though Henry’s legal action against other parties continues.
New York Post and FOX News contributed to this report.
