Schimandle v. Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office

Plaintiff, a high school administrator, filed a lawsuit against the defendant sheriff’s office after he was arrested and charged with battery against a student. In the battery case, the trial court granted plaintiff’s motion for directed finding after the prosecution rested its case. Plaintiff then filed a lawsuit alleging false arrest against the sheriff’s office and arresting officer. The district court granted the defendants’ motion for judgment on the pleadings and plaintiff appealed. The Seventh Circuit affirmed, finding that there arguably was probable cause to arrest the plaintiff and that the defendant officer was entitled to qualified immunity. (RIPPLE and SCUDDER, concurring)