Statement Regarding Lawsuit filed by Mr. Devin Taylor
On November 12, 2024, Mr. Devin Taylor filed a lawsuit in United States Federal District Court. The lawsuit named Andrew Bobby, Ryan Ross, David Reisdorf and Dennis Sarpen, all Borough Council members, as Defendants. The stated basis of the complaint was a violation of Mr. Taylor’s Civil Rights at the October 21, 2024 meeting of the New Freedom Borough Council. After having been given a chance to speak during the public comment period of the meeting, Mr. Taylor continued to interrupt the business meeting of the Borough Council. Mr. Taylor was asked if he would stop from interrupting the meeting at least two times, and each time he indicated that he would not stop interrupting the meeting. It was only at that point that the Borough Council asked the police to remove Mr. Taylor. All actions of Borough Council were taken under the advice of the Borough Solicitor. Moreover, the Borough considers the action taken to be reasonable under the circumstances and permitted under Pennsylvania and Federal law. The video of the meetings of Borough Council are available for viewing on the New Freedom Borough website at: https://newfreedomboro.org/2024-meeting-minutes/.
Attached to the complaint, Mr. Taylor attached documents related to a private criminal complaint filed to the York County District Attorney. By letter, dated October 10, 2024, the York County District Attorney’s Office notified Mr. Taylor that due a “substantial lack of evidence to prove the elements of any of the offenses you wished charged against either Mr. Bobby or Mr. Reisdorf…your Private Criminal Complaints are denied and prosecution will not be initiated.” Further, Mr. Taylor attached a copy of an Ethics complaint filed to the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission against Mr. Reisdorf. While the investigations of the Ethics Commission are confidential, the Ethics Commission has not taken any action against Mr. Reisdorf.
Because the Defendants were sued in their official capacity as members of Borough Council, the Borough referred the matter to its insurance carrier, who has assigned legal counsel to defend the lawsuit. The named Defendants and insurance counsel intend to vigorously defend the allegations set forth in the lawsuit. Beyond this statement, the Borough does not intend to make further public comment given that this matter is in litigation.
