10/02/10Man says deputies beat him for burping

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azcentral.com Wrote:

ROANOKE, Va. – A Roanoke man claims sheriff's deputies beat him in the city jail because of his burping

Thomas Scott Vandegrift made the allegations in a federal lawsuit filed last week against several deputies, the city, the sheriff's office and the sheriff. According to the lawsuit, the deputies were annoyed by Vandegrift's burping, which was caused by acid reflux

Vandegrift was being held at the jail on a drunken driving charge. He pleaded no contest in 2008 and received a six-month suspended sentence, a $750 fine and a year of driving restrictions.

The lawsuit alleges excessive force, conspiracy to violate civil rights and assault and battery.

Sheriff's office spokeswoman Patricia Johnson said Monday there would be no comment on the lawsuit.

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