Tennessee man sues after he was wrongfully imprisoned for 64 days

CARTER COUNTY, TN. (WJHL) – A Carter County (Tennessee) man filed a lawsuit in Carter County Circuit Court citing, unreasonable seizure, false imprisonment, libel, negligence, and is seeking a total of $3 million in damages.

According to court documents from Carter County Circuit Court, James Wilson filed a lawsuit against Johnny Blankenship, Janet Smith, Janet Hardin and Carter County, Tenn.

The lawsuit states on Sept. 8, 2015, charges of identity theft and theft of $500 or less against Wilson were presented to a grand jury. A grand jury returned a no true bill, citing a lack of probable cause to arrest and prosecute Wilson.

According to the lawsuit, on Sept. 15, 2015, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Wilson on the charges, despite the no true bill ruling.

Wilson was arrested on the Sept. 20, 2015 and was in jail for 64 days until his Nov. 23, 2015 court appearance because he was unable to make bond.

During his court appearance, Wilson was released on bond monitoring supervision for 98 days.

The lawsuit claimed defendants failed to bring the no true bill ruling to the attention of Wilson and the court, causing Wilson’s incarceration and bond monitoring supervision.

Wilson was released from bond monitoring supervision on Feb. 29, 2016.

“The unlawful incarceration caused Mr. Wilson substantial problems, including but not limited to, the loss of employment, the inability to obtain employment, significant money, the loss of visitation with his children, and his liberty to be free to live as he wishes,” according to the court document.