2nd claim filed against Valley chief

A second claim alleging the Valley police chief mistreated a juvenile while in custody has been filed.

The mother of Braden Green, a 10-year-old student at Fairfax Elementary School, filed the claim April 23 on her son’s behalf. The minor is being represented by Valley attorney Bill Harris.

Harris also represents the son of James C. Carmichael II, who filed a similar claim on April 10.

Valley police Chief Michael Taylor has been on paid administrative leave since April 14, pending an outside investigation into the April 10 claim.

According to the claim, Braden was handcuffed and held by the chief after a non-criminal incident occurred at the school on Jan. 22. The boy was allegedly held for approximately four hours, even after his mother, Diana Green, attempted to have him released, according to the claim.

“It is believed that the actions of the Valley Police Department were taken because the other child involved in the school incident was the child of a city official,” the claim states.

Harris and Valley Mayor Arnold Leak wouldn’t confirm or deny if the other child involved was the son of city administrator and acting police chief Tim Bryan.

Leak said the claims have similarities, but the investigation was prompted by the first claim.

Leak said the investigation could be completed as early as next week. Depending on the findings, he said the council may ask for additional research. The next council meeting is May 11.

The city has 90 days to comply with each claim. Harris said Wednesday he hadn’t heard from the city regarding either claim. The city can take no action until the 90-day deadline and then Harris said the claims will become lawsuits.