A Wisconsin resident has filed a lawsuit alleging severe civil rights violations by local law enforcement and government officials. Jeffrey Clemons, the plaintiff, submitted his complaint to the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin on December 15, 2025, targeting several individuals and entities including the County of Polk and the Municipality of Frederic.
Clemons claims that from June 17, 2019, until December 15, 2022, he was subjected to a pattern of harassment and wrongful legal actions orchestrated by various officers and officials. He asserts that he was charged in seven criminal cases with a total of 29 counts in Polk County without probable cause. Clemons describes how these charges led to significant personal and professional losses, including job termination due to being forced to wear an ankle bracelet that restricted his work on an oil pipeline. He also alleges physical harm from excessive force during arrests and improper medical care while detained.
The complaint outlines numerous instances where Clemons believes his rights were violated. For example, after reporting thefts from his property allegedly committed by a woman identified as ML, who had previously falsely accused him leading to his arrest, no investigation ensued. Clemons contends that officers ignored evidence he provided which could have exonerated him or at least warranted further investigation into ML’s claims.
In another incident on October 24, 2025, Clemons alleges he was wrongfully arrested at a local newspaper office after attempting to share his story publicly. He accuses officers of using excessive force during this arrest and claims they fabricated evidence against him. This incident followed numerous complaints Clemons made about police misconduct which he argues were met with retaliation rather than resolution.
Clemons is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $1 million for the alleged constitutional violations under federal civil rights laws (42 U.S.C §§1983). His lawsuit demands punitive damages against non-governmental defendants sufficient to deter future misconduct. Additionally, he requests statutory damages and coverage for attorney fees and court costs.
Representing Clemons is attorney Shirlene R. Perrin from Perrin Law Office based in St. Paul, Minnesota. The case is assigned Case No: 3:25-cv-1020.
Source: 325cv01020_Clemons_v_County_of_Polk_Complaint_Western_District_Wisconsin.pdf
