A Porter Twp. resident has filed a civil suit and complaint against the Porter County Commissioners and the Porter County Animal Shelter in the county Superior and Circuit Courts.

The plaintiff, Delbert F. Hershberger, who is representing himself Pro Se in the suit, states that he was falsely arrested for trespassing on July 20, 2008, at the Porter County Animal Shelter, accusing Porter County Commissioner President Robert Harper, D-Center, for abuse of powers.

The court order filed last Tuesday by Hershberger, exactly two years after the arrest, also states that he has since endured “false accusations of improper and abusive behavior” towards shelter workers, “slander” to his reputation, and “emotional as well as physical distress.”

Hershberger said Harper harassed him further by offering his law firm to represent Hershberger in the criminal charges.

In the suit, Hershberger states himself a “whistle blower” of the county animal shelter and was denied his right of due process of law after his arrest for trespassing.

Hershberger seeks an undeclared amount of money in punitive damages if he is to win the suit. Also named in the suit is animal shelter director Judy Bonaventura and county attorney Gwenn Rinkenberger who Hershberger also claims abused executive power.

The commissioners are the governing body which oversees the shelter.

Harper told the Chesterton Tribune he could not give comment regarding the lawsuit.

Posted 7/28/2010