MONROE, La. – Three deputy sheriffs from the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office face civil charges in Monroe federal court by a 30-year-old Jennings man who says he was wrongfully tasered in front of his family, according to documents filed March 1.
Plaintiff Chance Beroid got into an argument with his fiancé, Jasmine Goodwin, at his parents’ home in March 2020. Goodwin called law enforcement and deputies Christopher LaFleur, Ferrell LeBlanc and Naquan Senegal responded. Despite the situation being resolved, the deputies did not leave, and instead informed Beroid that he needed to come with them due to a warrant out for his arrest, the suit claims.
The deputies allegedly did not say that the plaintiff was under arrest; Beroid, confused, claims he withdrew from the deputies when they stormed into the home to apprehend him. The plaintiff says he only wanted to understand why he was being told to go to the sheriff’s office.
Despite the lack of violence or resistance, Deputy LaFleur tasered Beroid without warning, the suit says. Beroid, incapacitated on the ground, was allegedly ordered to get on his stomach and told that the deputy would “light him up again” if he did not comply.
The taser left burn marks on Beroid’s arms and back, he says.
The deputies are charged with one count each of excessive force, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, aggravated assault and aggravated battery. Beroid requests compensatory and punitive damages, plus litigation fees and interest.
The plaintiff is represented by the ACLU Foundation of Louisiana.
