Fairmont Heights and/or Prince George County may face civil claims for assaults by a former police officer. Maryland’s Constitution includes the Maryland Declaration of Rights, which guarantees the right against self-incrimination (Article 22), due process (Article 24), reasonableness of and search or seizure (Article 26), among others. People may have civil claims in Maryland Court if an officer violates any of these rights. Survivors of assault may be able to pursue a civil lawsuit if they can prove an officer committed a common law tort including assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, and intentional infliction of emotional distress for example. Such claims may involve the Local Government Tort Claims Act (LGTCA), which has strict notice and other provisions. The lawyers at KBA have brought such suits, including in Prince George County, so the following case caught our attention.

Former Fairmont Heights in Prince George County Police Officer Charged in Criminal Case

Martique Vanderpool used to work for Fairmont Heights in Prince George County. While a police officer, he stopped her vehicle on September 6. He was arrested in December by the the Prince George Police Department. Prosecutors allege that Martique Vanderpool handcuffed the woman and brought her to the police station and exchanged a sex act for her freedom from arrest. Martique Vanderpool faces 11 criminal charges for this specific incident. A Grand Jury in Prince George indicted Martique Vanderpool on multiple charges including rape and exposing/attempting to expose a victim to HIV because he confirmed during the investigation that he is HIV positive.

Survivors Have Rights

Police have asked victims of a sexual assault involving Martique Vanderpool or those who have had sexual contact with him and he didn’t disclose his HIV diagnosis, to call detectives at 301-856-2660.

In addition, survivors may have a civil claim that a lawyer could bring on their behalf. There are strict deadlines associated with such cases, so it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.