Manvel woman's suit alleges sheriff's deputy fondled her during traffic stop

GALVESTON - Brazoria County Sheriff Charles S. Wagner is facing a lawsuit from a Manvel woman who alleges her constitutional rights were violated during a February 2012 traffic stop.

According to recent court papers filed Oct. 30 in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas, one of Wagner's subordinates touched Stephanie Harrold inappropriately after she was pulled over on Feb. 12, 2012.

Harrold explains that she was driving on County Road 101 when Sheriff's Deputy Jason Burrows stopped her for supposedly speeding, stating Burrows then had her exit her vehicle and place her hands on it.

The suit adds Burrows suspected the plaintiff to have been involved in a burglary and proceeded to pat her down "within view of passing vehicles."

"Burrows asked Stephanie Harrold if she had anything in her bra and before Stephanie Harrold could respond, Burrows began feeling and touching Stephanie Harrold's breasts," the original petition says.

"At this point, Stephanie Harrold was overwhelmed with emotion and feeling of helplessness and reacted stating that Burrows had just violated her in a most horrific manner."

The complainant further asserts she was "disrespected and toyed around with by law enforcement."

Burrows joins Wagner as a co-defendant in the case.

A jury trial is requested.

Attorney Jeffrey C. Brashear of The Brashear Law Firm P.L.L.C. in Houston is representing Harrold.

Case No. 3:13-CV-395