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Tyler accountant John Furlow files federal lawsuit again Smith County, city of Tyler, Joel Baker, po

(Photo: Smith County)

The man who ran against former Smith County Judge Joel Baker in the 2014 election has filed a lawsuit in federal court against Baker, a Tyler police officer, the city of Tyler and Smith County.

Furlow v. Smith County, Texas et al.

John Furlow and his lawyer filed the 29-page complaint March 15 in the Eastern District of Texas accusing the defendants of malicious criminal prosecution.

Furlow claims he has suffered loss of liberty, mental anguish, humiliation, emotional pain and suffering, damage to his reputation, loss of income, legal expenses and a criminal record, according to the complaint.

This lawsuit stems from a criminal case in which Furlow was accused of directing another man to steal 22 of Baker's campaign signs.

Furlow was arrested, indicted and stood trial in a Smith County court for a felony count of theft of property great than $1,500 and less than $20,000. He also faced a misdemeanor charge of making a false report to a police officer.

The complaint said Furlow refused the special prosecutors's plea deal and during the trial for the theft charge the visiting judge granted a mistrial because of a hung jury. The trial for the misdemeanor charge never happened because in March 2016, the felony and misdemeanor charges were dismissed, according to the complaint.

Furlow is asking for judgment against the defendants for the damages he suffered, exemplary damages against the city, the county, Baker and the detective. He also requests the defendants pay for his attorneys' fees and the costs he will incur in this action and any legal or equitable relief the court deems appropriate.

Furlow is requesting a jury trial, according to the complaint.

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