Former Cal U. football player files lawsuit
A former California University of Pennsylvania football player is suing the university, the Borough of California, California police Chief Richard Encapera and Washington County District Attorney Eugene Vittone for malicious prosecution, alleging his rights were violated when he was charged in a vicious attack on a West Chester man last fall.
James Williamson, 20, of Parkville, Md., is one of six men arrested and charged in the attack on Lewis Campbell III, 30, during a confrontation on Wood Street in the early hours of Oct. 30. Campbell spent eight days at Allegheny General Hospital with severe head injuries after witnesses said a group of football players kicked and stomped on Campbell until he was unconscious.
The charges against Williamson were dismissed in May by Washington County Judge Gary Gilman for lack of evidence.
Williamson’s attorney, D. Scott Lautner, said in the lawsuit witnesses identified Williamson and said he took no part in the attack. The lawsuit was filed Monday in federal court in Pittsburgh.
Lautner said his client was at the scene – his cellphone was left there – but said he didn’t participate in the attack. A grainy surveillance video of the fight did not show Williamson, he said.
“The charges were dismissed because of overwhelming evidence that he did not participate,” Lautner said. “Two witnesses identified him and said he had nothing to do with the victim.”
In addition to the malicious prosecution claim, Lautner also alleges the defendants falsely arrested and imprisoned Williamson, prosecuted him without probable cause and the borough and its police department failed to train, supervise and discipline their officers.
Williamson had no prior record, and was dismissed from Cal U. and the football team following the incident.
Christine Kindl, director of communications and public relations at Cal U., California solicitor Tom Agrafiotis and Vittone all declined comment. Also charged in the attack were Jonathan Barlow, 21, of Pittsburgh; Rodney Gillin, 20, of Reading; D’Andre Dunkley, 19, of Philadelphia; Corey Ford, 22, of Harrisburg and Shelby Wilkerson, 20, of Harrisburg. They face charges of aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and their cases are still pending.
Lautner is requesting a jury trial and damages in excess of $75,000.