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Civil trial against victims of Rodney Vicknair begins in New Orleans

The trial against the city of New Orleans, brought by the family of a teenager who was sexually abused by a former New Orleans police officer, began Monday. The city is facing criticism for its handling of the case. The family believes the city and the New Orleans Police Department should have done more to prevent a police officer from using his position to abuse their loved one. The city says it cannot reduce or stop crime without knowing it is happening. Former police officer Rodney Vicknair, 53, was sentenced in 2023 after violating the then-14-year-old's civil rights by performing sexual acts without her consent in 2020. He later died while serving his prison sentence. The civil rights lawsuit alleges that Vicknair, who had a long history of disciplinary problems and complaints of unprofessional conduct, was a poor choice by the NOPD to accompany a young rape victim to the hospital. The lawsuit blames the NOPD for its hiring and the assignment. Monday's trial got off to a rocky start when the judge reprimanded the city attorney and city officials for not having witnesses ready for the hearing in time. “I can't believe the city didn't have enough sense to bring witnesses here,” the judge said in court. “I've had to preach this several times and you're wasting time and it's ridiculous. This is a terrible way to start a trial.” The trial began with opening statements and ended with testimony from NOPD officers. At the heart of the trial are text messages sent to former NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson a week before the attack to alert him to the current situation. “Hey Shaun, I really need to get a hold of Arlinda. If she's in your area, can you call her to have her call me?” one of the text messages read. “It's about the possible sexual abuse of a minor by an officer,” it continued. Once the trial goes to the jury, the jury will have to decide whether the city could have done more to prevent the attack and how much compensation the family should receive. Former Superintendent Ferguson is expected to testify on Wednesday.

NEW ORLEANS —

The lawsuit against the city of New Orleans brought by the family of a teenager who was sexually abused by a former New Orleans police officer began Monday, and the city is facing criticism for its handling of the case.

The family says the city and the New Orleans Police Department should have done more to prevent a police officer from using his position to attack their loved one.

The city says it can't reduce or stop crime without knowing it's happening.

Former police officer Rodney Vicknair, 53, was sentenced in 2023 after violating the civil rights of the then 14-year-old by engaging in sexual activity with her without her consent in 2020.

He later died while serving his prison sentence.

The civil rights lawsuit alleges that Vicknair, who had a long history of disciplinary problems and complaints of unprofessional conduct, was poorly chosen by the NOPD to accompany a young rape victim to the hospital.

The lawsuit blames the NOPD for its hiring and contract.

Monday's trial got off to a rocky start when the judge reprimanded the prosecutor and city officials for failing to have witnesses ready for the hearing in time.

“I can't believe the city didn't have enough sense to bring witnesses here,” the judge said in court. “I've had to preach this several times, and you're wasting time, and that's ridiculous. That's a terrible way to start a trial.”

The trial began with opening statements and ended with testimony from NOPD officers.

At the heart of the trial are text messages sent to former New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Shaun Ferguson a week before the attack, alerting him to the current situation.

“Hey Shaun, I urgently need to reach Arlinda. If she's near you, can you call her so she can call me?” one of the texts said. “This is about the possible sexual abuse of a minor by a police officer,” it continued.

Once the case goes to a jury, the jury will have to decide whether the city could have done more to prevent the attack and how much compensation the family should receive.

Former Superintendent Ferguson is scheduled to testify on Wednesday.

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