Ozark, Ala. — A federal lawsuit has been filed in Dale County by Bryant L. Fontenot, who is accusing Ozark Mayor John Mark Blankenship and several members of the city’s police department of unlawful arrest and malicious prosecution.
Fontenot claims his civil and constitutional rights were violated following an arrest that stemmed from an encounter with the mayor in January 2024. The complaint also names Ozark Police Chief Charles Ward, Deputy Chief Michael Bryan, and Officer Marcus Agrella as defendants, along with the City of Ozark.
According to court documents, Fontenot had previously petitioned the Ozark City Council in September 2023 to censure the mayor. He alleges that, following this, the mayor sent messages and issued a letter to various officials making disparaging remarks about him.
The lawsuit states that Fontenot and the mayor had a verbal exchange in a parking lot after a council meeting on January 2, 2024. Fontenot was arrested two days later and charged with harassment.
The complaint alleges that the arrest was made without probable cause and that the mayor played a key role in initiating the charges. Officer Marcus Agrella reportedly testified during Fontenot’s trial that he relied on the mayor’s statements in the case. The charges were later dismissed by a judge.
Fontenot claims the prosecution violated his rights under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. He is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, along with attorney’s fees.
The defendants named in the suit include Mayor John Mark Blankenship, Police Chief Charles Ward, Deputy Chief Michael Bryan, Officer Marcus Agrella, and the City of Ozark.
The case is set to be heard in Dale County Circuit Court. A jury trial has been requested. At this time, city officials have not publicly responded to the lawsuit.
Fontenot Complaint by Cassidy Lee on Scribd
