Lake Jackson proprietor claims city not doing enough to protect store, files lawsuit

GALVESTON - An apparent lack of effort from law enforcement to protect his business has prompted Mohamed A. Aly to sue the city of Lake Jackson.

Aly's lawsuit, filed April 29 in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas, criticizes Lake Jackson for purportedly failing to help the plaintiff after numerous "criminal trespasses, thefts, attempted thefts and similar criminal actions" at his store in the Brazos Mall.

The suit states "the level or rate of third party criminal actions or attempted criminal actions against or directed toward his place of business is believed to be generally that level experienced by other retail businesses in the surrounding area."

"Despite the plaintiff's timely reporting to the appropriate law enforcement authority, specifically the police department of the city of Lake Jackson, Tex., the city of Lake Jackson has failed and refused and continues to fail and refuse to respond," the original petition says.

"Its failure to do so has caused economic damage to the plaintiff in his business operations."

According to Aly, he has been deprived of his constitutional right to equal protection of the laws.

A jury trial is requested.

Attorney Woodrow Epperson of the Law Office of Woodrow Epperson in Houston is representing the plaintiff.

Case No. 4:13-CV-1216