A Georgia resident has filed a federal lawsuit alleging unlawful arrest and malicious prosecution by local police officers. Daniel Hanley, the plaintiff, lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on February 3, 2026, naming Cobb County and Officers Thomas Bolin and Tiare Crawford as defendants.
The case stems from an incident on June 27, 2024, when Hanley participated in a protest in Cobb County, Georgia. According to the complaint, Hanley was part of a small group of protesters holding signs with messages like “Stop Cop City.” Despite standing peacefully on public property and not obstructing traffic or engaging in any illegal activities, Hanley alleges that he was unlawfully detained and arrested by Officers Bolin and Crawford. The plaintiff claims his arrest was retaliatory, aimed at punishing him for exercising his First Amendment rights. He further accuses Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer of endorsing a policy that targets anti-law enforcement protesters based on their ideological beliefs.
Hanley’s complaint details how officers allegedly lacked probable cause for his arrest but proceeded based on preconceived biases against his political views. He recounts being charged with loitering and prowling as well as misdemeanor obstruction without any legal justification. The charges were eventually dismissed after Hanley completed a pretrial diversion program in March 2025. Despite this resolution, Hanley’s phone remains confiscated by law enforcement without explanation or return.
The lawsuit argues that Cobb County’s actions violated multiple constitutional protections under the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures and the First Amendment’s free speech guarantees. It also invokes Georgia state law claims against malicious prosecution. The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages for emotional distress, punitive damages to deter future misconduct by law enforcement, injunctive relief for the return of his phone along with any data extracted from it, and attorney’s fees.
Represented by attorney Drago Cepar Jr., Hanley demands accountability from Cobb County officials who allegedly authorized or condoned these unconstitutional practices. He calls upon the court to ensure justice is served not only through financial compensation but also by compelling systemic changes within local policing policies regarding protester treatment.
This case will be presided over by Judge Steven D. Grimberg under Civil Case No.: 1:26-cv-00637-SDG.
Source: 126cv00637_Daniel_Hanley_v_Cobb_County_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Georgia.pdf