Civil rights attorney Sarah Schielke has launched a series of lawsuits against the Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS), targeting what she claims is a pattern of wrongful DUI arrests. The legal action centers on former officer Jason Haferman, who allegedly made over 17 false DUI arrests in just one year.
Schielke, known for her hard-hitting approach to civil rights cases, filed five separate lawsuits on behalf of individuals who claim Haferman unjustly arrested them. The attorney’s aggressive stance is evident in her public statements, where she pulls no punches in criticizing the FCPS and its leadership.
The cases paint a troubling picture of law enforcement misconduct. According to Schielke, each of the arrested individuals had blood tests that showed no presence of alcohol. Despite this evidence, they reportedly suffered months of personal and professional turmoil, including job losses, missed promotions, and emotional distress. In two particularly egregious cases, the victims were even reported to Child Protective Services for potential child abuse because their children were in the vehicles at the time of arrest.
Schielke’s legal action continues with Haferman. The lawsuits also named Sgt: Allen Heaton, an unnamed corporal, and the City of Fort Collins defendants. The attorney argues that the wrongful arrests were not just the actions of a single officer but indicative of systemic failures within the department.
The legal filings allege multiple violations of civil rights, including arrest without probable cause, failure to supervise and train, violation of due process, and malicious prosecution. Schielke is seeking both economic and punitive damages for her clients.
The attorney’s release of body camera footage, blood test results, and letters from the District Attorney’s Office adds weight to her claims. These materials, she argues, show a clear pattern of misconduct that FCPS leadership should have caught and addressed.
Schielke’s criticism extends to FCPS Chief Jeff Swoboda, whom she accuses of misleading the public and defending the arrests even in the face of mounting evidence. The attorney claims that Swoboda attempted to explain away the “non-detected” blood/breath DUI arrests by suggesting the drivers were under the influence of substances the state lab couldn’t test for, an assertion Schielke vehemently disputes.
The lawsuits come after an internal affairs investigation into Haferman’s conduct, which led to his resignation. However, Schielke argues that this action was too late, coming only after significant public pressure and media scrutiny.
In a bold move, Schielke has called for Chief Swoboda’s resignation, stating that his alleged cover-up of Haferman’s actions makes him unfit to lead the department. Her pointed language reflects the gravity of the situation and her commitment to holding law enforcement accountable at all levels.
The FCPS has responded cautiously to the lawsuits, acknowledging that they have been notified but stating that they have yet to be formally served. The department takes all litigation seriously and will review the allegations once they are officially presented.
This legal battle highlights the ongoing tension between law enforcement and civil rights advocates. While drunk driving remains a serious concern, Schielke argues that wrongful arrests can be equally destructive to individuals’ lives. Her aggressive pursuit of justice for her clients underscores the importance of accountability in law enforcement and the potential consequences when that accountability is lacking.
As this case unfolds, it will likely draw significant attention to police practices in Fort Collins and potentially spark broader discussions about DUI enforcement policies and oversight mechanisms within law enforcement agencies.