Atlanta Eagle Civil Lawsuit Gains Speed This Week ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - Last week, a judge acquitted employees arrested during a controversial raid on a Midtown gay bar. But as WABE's Jim Burress reports, the case is far from over.

The civil case against the City of Atlanta and the police department continues to move forward.

Attorneys say starting Monday, patrons of the Atlanta Eagle present that September night begin giving depositions to the city attorney's office. Also this week, the legal team plans to request documents, radio transmissions and other records as part of its discovery process.

While last week's acquittal of the Eagle employees will not have a direct effect on the civil case, Attorney Dan Grossman says it shows the raid was malicious and illegal.

"It was not about sex," said Grossman. "It was not about underwear dancing. It was cops who simply wanted to search 70 people for drugs, didn't have a warrant, didn't have the right to do it, and did it anyway."

Police say they were acting on tips of drug use and lewd conduct at the Midtown gay bar. After searching more than 60 patrons, the only arrests made were on code violations.

The city has declined comment due to the pending litigation.

Jim Burress, WABE News.
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