A St. Clair County man filed a class action against Belleville, alleging he had to pay an excessive vehicle redemption fee after an arrest.
Jeffrey Dewalt, on behalf of himself and others similarly situated, filed a lawsuit on Oct. 28 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against the City of Belleville.
According to the complaint, on Dec. 9, 2014, Dewalt was arrested by a police officer from Belleville. In accordance with a redemption fee charged by the city, the plaintiff claims his vehicles were towed.
According to city ordinance, the fee charged for towing if the arrest was for a violation or misdemeanor is $100 and for felony arrest the fee is $500.
Dewalt alleges the amount of time expended by the Belleville Police Department is the same per vehicle regardless of the nature of the arrest and is challenging the fee.
Dewalt and others in the class seek judgment in their favor, the return of all monies assessed by the defendant, court costs and attorney fees. He is represented by attorney Brian L. Polinske of Edwardsville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-613.