Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Former Minneapolis Officer for Sexual Assault of Minor

A federal lawsuit has been filed against former Minneapolis police officer David Edward Campbell and the City of Minneapolis, alleging repeated sexual assault of a minor female while Campbell was on duty and in uniform. The case brings to light serious concerns about law enforcement accountability and the protection of vulnerable individuals within the community.

According to the complaint filed by attorneys Timothy Lessman and Paul Peterson, Campbell violated Minneapolis Police Department policies by conducting unauthorized ride-alongs with the minor in his squad car. These incidents, allegedly witnessed by other officers and supervisors, were neither reported nor investigated, raising questions about the department's oversight and adherence to established protocols.

The lawsuit's implications extend beyond the individual case, potentially impacting police departments nationwide by emphasizing the critical need for rigorous enforcement of policies designed to prevent abuse of power. It underscores the importance of transparency in law enforcement and the responsibility of departments to protect citizens, particularly minors, from potential misconduct by officers.

Campbell has already faced criminal consequences for his actions, having been convicted of 3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, 4th Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, Terroristic Threats, and Stalking. He served a prison sentence for these crimes against the minor. The civil suit now seeks to address the broader systemic issues that may have allowed such abuses to occur.

Attorney Timothy Lessman, representing the plaintiff, emphasized the severity of the allegations, stating, "There is an inherent cruelty to these actions because they were committed by a person of authority, and because they were committed against a vulnerable young person." This statement highlights the abuse of power dynamics at play and the particular vulnerability of minors in interactions with law enforcement.

The lawsuit aims not only to seek justice for the plaintiff but also to prevent similar incidents in the future. By holding both the individual officer and the City of Minneapolis accountable, the case could potentially lead to stricter enforcement of departmental policies and improved training for officers regarding interactions with minors and vulnerable populations.

This case may also prompt a broader discussion about the role of bystander intervention in law enforcement. The allegation that other officers and supervisors witnessed unauthorized ride-alongs without reporting or investigating them raises questions about the culture within police departments and the mechanisms in place for reporting suspected misconduct.

As this lawsuit progresses, it may serve as a catalyst for police departments across the country to review and strengthen their policies regarding officer interactions with minors, supervision protocols, and reporting mechanisms for suspected misconduct. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for how law enforcement agencies operate and how they are held accountable for the actions of their officers.

The case, filed as L.M.G. v. David Edward Campbell and the City of Minneapolis (Court File No.: 0:24-cv-04622), represents a significant challenge to law enforcement practices and could potentially reshape policies aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals from abuse by those in positions of authority. As it unfolds, this lawsuit will likely be closely watched by legal experts, law enforcement agencies, and civil rights advocates alike, potentially setting precedents for similar cases in the future.