Patterson City Councilwoman Annette Smith struck back against the Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury this week, filing a federal lawsuit against the county Wednesday, Sept. 28, after a June 27 jury report criticized Smith and other city officials and called for Smith’s ouster.
The complaint for damages — filed in U.S. District Federal Court in Sacramento — seeks an injunction against the grand jury to stop further alleged abuse of authority and publication of transcripts from the investigation. The suit also calls for the jury to revise its findings, and seeks unspecified damages and attorney fees.