Man claims Va. deputies beat him for burping

[February 10, 2010]  ROANOKE, Va. (AP) -- A Roanoke man claims sheriff's deputies beat him in the city jail because of his burping.

Thomas Scott Vandegrift made the allegations in a federal lawsuit filed last week against several deputies, the city, the sheriff's office and the sheriff. According to the lawsuit, the deputies were annoyed by Vandegrift's burping, which was caused by acid reflux.

Vandegrift was being held at the jail on a drunken driving charge. He pleaded no contest in 2008 and received a six-month suspended sentence, a $750 fine and a year of driving restrictions.

The lawsuit alleges excessive force, conspiracy to violate civil rights and assault and battery.

Sheriff's office spokeswoman Patricia Johnson said Monday there would be no comment on the lawsuit.

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Information from: The Roanoke Times, http://www.roanoketimes.com/

[Associated Press]

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