‘Suck it women lol’: Our Federal Complaint Against Benzie Co. Deputies Alleges Culture of Misconduct

A fundamental principle enshrined in our Constitution and value system is that women deserve equal legal rights, protection, and treatment. The Benzie County Sheriff's Office has failed to properly educate its personnel about or comply with these essential principles. Their officers have repeatedly shown contempt toward females seeking protection and handled their legitimate safety concerns differently than those expressed by male citizens. Consequently, our client – Ms. Linda Henry – was viciously murdered by Stratton, an individual who had menaced numerous women throughout the county with impunity and had sexually assaulted a young girl whom he later terrorized by trying to forcibly enter her house the night before he proceeded to Ms. Henry's home and took her life. Law enforcement was familiar with Stratton, aware he was breaching a Court Order during his intimidation of the young assault victim, yet they abandoned their duties and walked away from a violent situation, allowing Stratton to reach Ms. Henry's residence hours later and commit a horrific murder. Her family now pursues legal action seeking justice for her death and aims to transform the customs, policies, and practices in Benzie County that leave women exposed to violent crimes.