WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI) — The City of Woonsocket is facing a lawsuit over the unlawful arrest and prosecution of a man falsely accused of crimes, including a felony.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Rhode Island filed the lawsuit Thursday on behalf of Mack Blackie , a Woonsocket resident who was arrested, detained twice, and prosecuted two years ago for crimes he did not commit.
In early August, Blackie’s attorneys sent a letter to the city demanding justice and compensation, threatening legal action if the matter wasn’t resolved outside of court.
“Please note that Mr. Blackie intends to seek punitive damages over the City’s and its agents’ reckless and callous indifference to Mr. Blackie’s protected rights,” the letter read.
BACKGROUND: ‘All I want is justice:’ Woonsocket man threatens lawsuit over unlawful arrest
According to the letter, Woonsocket Police Officer Timothy Hammond submitted a false affidavit, claiming Blackie had been identified as the perpetrator of an apartment break-in on Aug. 22, 2022.