Arraignment postponed for officer accused of roughing up suspect

Thomas Roszak



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A Greenfield police officer accused of roughing up a suspect was expected to make a plea deal on Wednesday, November 20th. But that didn't happen.

Thomas Roszak's arraignment was postponed because the judge overseeing his case was pre-occupied with another trial that lasted longer than expected.

Once Roszak's case is over though, he may be dealing with another one -- a lawsuit from the alleged victim.

Roszak is no longer with the Greenfield Police Department. But on July 27th, he was still on the force. That's when surveillance video in the Greenfield police station allegedly captured him tossing Amanda Luke across her jail cell. The violence is also documented in a criminal complaint.

"The video will show that she is thrown into a jail cell at the Greenfield Police Department and the video shows her being picked up and physically thrown in to the fact that her feet are off the ground," said attorney Jonathan Safran. "She is literally coming in face first and actually strikes the metal stool that's bolted into the floor."

Safran is representing Luke in a potential civil suit. The groundwork has already been laid.

"We have filed a notice of injury which puts the City of Greenfield on notice of a potential future claim we're going to make as a result of the injuries my client received from this incident," said Safran.

The incident with Luke started during the booking process at the police station. She was under arrest for driving while under the influence of an intoxicant and fleeing.

Roszak reportedly ordered her to her cell -- and she is alleged to have placed her hands on Roszak's chest and said she hated him using foul language. That's when he allegedly picked her up.

"Although she feels that maybe her actions that morning may not have been the most appropriate, she also knows and believes what the officer did was wrong and feels that he should be held responsible just like she may be held responsible for anything that she may have done," said Safran.

Roszak will be back in court next week.

The Greenfield police chief tells FOX6 News that once Roszak's criminal case is over, he will release the jail cell video.