Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Detroit mother in standoff over child's meds sues Wayne County

This is going to be a very messy case.  Extremely messy.

Maryanne Godboldo seen in April 2011. (David Coates / The Detroit News)

Detroit — A mother who held police at bay for almost 12 hours and claimed she was protecting her 13-year-old daughter from unnecessary medication sued Wayne County and several court officials Wednesday in federal court, alleging her constitutional rights were violated.

Maryanne Godboldo of Detroit filed the lawsuit two days before a judge is expected to either dismiss criminal charges against the mother or send the case to Wayne County Circuit Court.

Godboldo, 59, wants more than $25,000 in damages due to alleged violations of her constitutional right protecting against unreasonable searches and seizures. She also alleges Wayne County and court officials violated the 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection of the law.

Godboldo sued the county, Wayne County Circuit Court, Chief Judge Leslie Kim Smith and several others, including Child Protective Services.

A county spokesman could not be reached for comment immediately Wednesday.

Godboldo was arrested in March 2011 on discharging a weapon, assault and other charges. The charges were dismissed by a district judge whose decision was upheld in county circuit court.

The state appeals court ordered the charges reinstated after prosecutors appealed. A hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. Friday in front of 36th District Judge Ronald Giles.

Godboldo has said police came to her home because she took her then-13-year-old daughter off an anti-psychotic drug used to contain aggression and treat autism. State officials maintained the girl was at-risk without proper medication.
Police surrounded the house and arrested Godboldo about 12 hours later.

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