The Brookford Chief of Police is suing several top state leaders, claiming he remains on what he calls an unconstitutional law-enforcement “blacklist,” months after criminal charges against him were dismissed. According to published reports, Brookford Police Chief Willie Armstrong filed the lawsuit October 2 in Catawba County.
Armstrong was indicted last year on evidence-tampering and other charges tied to his investigation into the 1992 killing of 13-year-old Isis Denise “Dee Dee” Dawkins. A judge dismissed those charges in June, ruling prosecutors had not presented enough evidence. According to the reports, Armstrong now alleges District Attorney D. Scott Reilly issued a notification under North Carolina law identifying him as an officer who may not be called to testify because of credibility concerns.
Armstrong argues the law violates his constitutional rights and has harmed his ability to work in law enforcement. He is seeking to have the notification rescinded, records corrected and more than $25,000 in damages. The lawsuit names State Attorney General Jeff Jackson, Sate Senate leader Phil Berger, NC House Speaker Destin Hal along with Reilly.
Story: Rob Eastwood-WHKY