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‘Every time I see that video, I cry,’ — Parents of Alleged Abuse Victim

WILKES-BARRE — The parents of a man who is suing several state troopers in Bradford County over alleged police brutality say their son still suffers from ...
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WILKES-BARRE -- The parents of a man who is suing several state troopers in Bradford County over alleged police brutality say their son still suffers from severe emotional and cognitive problems.

Robert Leone's civil case is being heard this week in federal court in Wilkes-Barre.

Leone's parents say the past five years have been an ordeal. They say that following a low-speed chase in Bradford County, not only was he beaten by state troopers but that the abuse continued in the lockup, and even in the hospital.

Emotionally spent, Frank Leone had to sit on the steps of the federal courthouse in Wilkes-Barre Tuesday after giving his testimony.

"Every time I see that video, I cry, I really do, I cry."

The video shows what happened after state police stopped his son Robert in 2010. Troopers said Robert drove away after hitting another car and then led police on a low-speed chase in Bradford County.

Leone says police beat him and used a stun gun, and that the abuse continued off camera, later at the barracks, and even in the hospital.

Robert's father says his family has been let down by the legal system time after time, and he believes the civil trial of five state troopers now underway is the only hope.

"I have been so disappointed with the other levels of the judicial system, that I am almost broken like a horse," said Frank Leone.

During the second day of testimony, several witnesses were questioned about Leone's medical treatment at the jail and the hospital, as well as the role Leone's prescription medication for bipolar disorder may have played that night.

An emergency room doctor from Towanda testified that, at one point, police suggested he leave Leone's hospital room and then police used the Taser on Leone in the hospital.

The doctor also testified that troopers appeared to be provoked when Leone would not answer their questions at the hospital, but he never saw Leone physically lash out.

Attorneys for the five troopers say the use of force was appropriate and necessary, but his parents don't agree.

"We have been hostages in our own home, what's happened to him, he has so many flashbacks. They are horrific," said Joan Leone.

She says the family's goal is more than money.

"We want to be a voice, to expose the corruption. This has got to change. Police cannot treat the citizens this way."

The civil trial continues Wednesday. Leone's attorneys are expected to wrap up their case by noon. They said in court have not decided whether or not they will put Leone on the stand due to his emotional state.

 

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