Judge rules against Harrah's

MICHIGAN – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Three Michigan businessmen, who attempted to deliver relief supplies to victims of Hurricane Rita and who were subsequently arrested and physically abused by Harrah's Casino security guards and Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana police officers, obtained their first legal victory in their suit against Harrah's Casino and Calcasieu Parish.

The lawsuit alleges that in late September 2005, Louis Toth, Jeffrey Schmitz and Ronald Moon traveled in a rented truck to deliver water, medical supplies and non-perishable food items to Port Arthur, Texas. The three were arrested and physically and mentally abused by Harrah's security guards and subsequently transferred to the custody of the Calcasieu Parish police, who continued such reprehensible conduct. Toth, Moon and Schmitz were detained for five days in sub-human conditions before being released.

Harrah's filed a Motion to Dismiss the claims against it arguing that the facts set forth by Plaintiffs did not constitute valid claims against Harrah's. On March 6, 2007 the Court issued a strongly worded ruling that stated: "Plaintiffs maintain that Harrah's actions went far beyond mere detention because these Defendants not only detained Plaintiffs, but they judged them guilty, tormented and confined them, interrogated and investigated them and physically abused them. The Court agrees."

"This ruling constitutes a significant step toward finally vindicating my clients' rights," stated Birmingham, Michigan lawyer Norman A. Yatooma, who represents Toth, Moon and Schmitz. "The Court clearly understood the serious physical and emotional abuse my clients suffered at the hands of Harrah's security guards and made its decision accordingly. This ruling sends a clear message to Harrah's and all the other Defendants that individual rights are absolute and that no person should be tortured -- especially not those who are only attempting to help those in need."