As sheriff, Terry Grassaree stoked fear into the citizens of Noxubee County by imitating his idol, wrestler “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. In a 2020 lawsuit, Elizabeth Layne Reed accused two deputies, Vance Phillips and Damon Clark, of coercing her into having sex. She also alleged in the lawsuit that Grassaree touched her in a “sexual manner.”The lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount. At least five people, including one of his fellow deputies, accused him of beating others or choking them with a police baton. Now, 18 years after a woman first said that he pressured her to lie about being raped, the former sheriff faces possible prison time.

Source: New York Times May 07, 2024 16:47 UTC