Initial Complaint (August 12th, 2025)

Copy of Official Notarized Document Submitted to the MT DoJ POST Department on August 12th, 2025

Copy of Official Notarized Document Submitted to the MT DoJ POST Department on August 12th, 2025

Accompanying Information

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This information was submitted alongside the document above, as well as supporting documents available on this site. Additional submitted documents are listed in the email correspondence found in the "Response Received August 27th, 2025" section below.

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Summary

I respectfully submit this complaint regarding a pattern of civil rights violations, conflicts of interest, and abuse of power by Missoula Police Department personnel—specifically Ethan Smith and Connie Brueckner—and by MPD as an institution, connected to matters involving the YWCA of Missoula and culminating in an unlawful arrest and false imprisonment in or around August 2018 when I was effectively “lost” within Missoula County Jail. These events form part of a multi-year, multi-jurisdiction course of misconduct that has caused ongoing harm to my liberty, reputation, and professional opportunities.

Civil Rights Violations

• Unlawful Seizure and False Arrest: I was arrested without probable cause and detained contrary to the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments. The arrest and detention lacked a valid legal basis and were premised on incomplete or mischaracterized information connected to YWCA of Missoula-related allegations.
• Due Process Violations: Material exculpatory information was disregarded or not properly documented/disclosed; officers relied on unverified or selectively presented statements, undermining my right to fair process. I was not timely informed of the factual or legal basis justifying my detention.
• Retaliatory/Malicious Enforcement: Enforcement actions appear motivated by bias or animus, including reliance on uncorroborated claims and the escalation of minor or non-criminal matters into custodial actions, chilling my ability to defend myself and to seek redress.
• Equal Protection Concerns: The handling of my case deviated from standard MPD practices and professional norms, suggesting discriminatory or arbitrary treatment in contrast to similarly situated individuals.

Conflicts of Interest and Coordination Concerns

• Improper Coordination with YWCA of Missoula: MPD personnel, including Ethan Smith and Connie Brueckner, appeared to rely heavily on YWCA-affiliated narratives and advocacy positions without adequate independent investigation, creating a conflict between victim-advocacy aims and law enforcement’s duty of neutrality.
• Role Blurring and Undue Influence: Communications and decisions indicate blurred lines between advocacy and police functions. This created an appearance that MPD outcomes were pre-shaped by YWCA staff or associated individuals, rather than by impartial police work.
• Failure to Recuse/Disclose: Known or knowable relationships and prior involvements that presented conflicts were not disclosed; no apparent recusal or safeguards were implemented to prevent biased decision-making.

Abuse of Power and Evidence/Records Irregularities

• Mishandling of Case Materials: MPD and involved officers failed to secure, preserve, or accurately log key records and evidence relating to my case and YWCA-related allegations. Material inconsistencies and gaps suggest either negligent or intentional mishandling.
• Suppression/Selective Use of Evidence: Exculpatory leads were ignored or minimized while inculpatory narratives were emphasized without corroboration, resulting in a skewed record used to justify arrest/detention.
• Lack of Accountability Measures: Internal review or supervisory oversight was inadequate, allowing improper practices to persist without correction.