Public commenter alleges civil rights violations by Richmond Heights police, says he plans legal action

Garrett Meece addressed the St. Louis County Council during the public forum on May 20 and alleged multiple civil rights violations by the Richmond Heights Police Department and private security during an encounter he described as unlawful.

Meece said security and mall staff declined to protect him from restraint by another person and that Richmond Heights officers unlawfully detained him, applied the law unequally, and retaliated after he challenged their conduct. He said Chief Rohr later "summarily exonerated his officers," which Meece described as evidence of systemic problems.

"I am drafting a lawsuit myself and reaching out to the media to bring light to the flagrant violations of civil rights by the Richmond Heights Police Department," Meece said. He told the council he had five attorneys review his case but that the attorneys would not take it for financial reasons, and that he was advised he might have to accept a plea to avoid losing his driver's license.

Meece said the potential loss of his license would cost him his job and cause "untold irreparable harm," and said he has served as a school board member since 2010 and on the SSD governing council since 2011.

Why it matters: Allegations of misconduct by municipal police are matters of public concern. Meece's statements describe a potential civil-rights claim and a planned legal response; the council record contains the allegations but does not document an official investigation or findings in this meeting.

Speakers quoted in this item: Garrett Meece.