Former Cal U Football Player Suing School & California Borough For False Arrest

CALIFORNIA (KDKA)- A former California University of Pennsylvania football player is suing the school and the borough.

James Williamson, of Parkville, Maryland, has filed a lawsuit against the university, the borough of California, police officer Richard Encapera and Washington County District Attorney Eugene Vittone.

Williamson was one of six football players charged in the attack on Lewis Campbell back in October.  Back in May, a Washington County judge dismissed the charges against Williamson due to a lack of evidence.

Williamson's attorney, Scott Lautner, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that, "not one of the four witnesses who testified ever identified Williamson as being at the scene, let alone as an individual who allegedly struck the victim."

Williamson's cell phone was found at the scene. After his arrest, he was expelled from the university and kicked off of the football team.

Scott Lautner is representing Williamson in the lawsuit.

"James was thrown out of school. He was dismissed from California University, placed on probation, even though he was dismissed from the university. The level 2 probation that they placed him on denied him NCAA eligibility. So, even though he was kicked out of school, he couldn't go play football anywhere else. His reputation's been harmed and his academics has been delayed. Hopefully, we can get James compensated. He spent seven days in jail, he was thrown out of school...his face was plastered all over the Pittsburgh media," Lautner said.

The lawsuit is seeking compensation and punitive damages on claims that include malicious prosecution and false arrest.

Vittone said he had not seen this lawsuit. Cal U representatives said they had no comment on pending litigation.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter