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Carroll man files federal lawsuit

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A Carroll Township man filed a federal lawsuit against a variety of Washington County agencies contending they violated his rights when they “counseled” his wife in her “false” protection-from-abuse application against him.

Named in the Jan. 8 complaint filed by Steven P. Grados, 51, are Washington County, the domestice violence center and domestic relations agency, Children and Youth Services, the district attorney’s office and the Carroll Township police department.

Grados, who is representing himself, claims his wife, Carlese Grados, filed a PFA application on July 2, 2014, and later admitted she was “counseled” by officials with the domestic violence unit in Washington County that reckless driving was a sufficient condition to get a PFA to have the couple’s then-7-month-old declared a party to the PFA.

Grados said he texted his wife later on July 2, inquiring about the welfare of his son because he feared for the infant’s safety.

Grados was charged July 3, 2014, with violation of the PFA order. According to court paperwork, the charge was withdrawn July 18. Grados said he had to agree to attend anger-management classes and have supervised visits with his son. Grados said if he hadn’t agreed to the terms, he would have been placed on six months’ probation.

Grados said he unsuccessfully attempted to file a PFA application against his wife within a week of her filing one against him. He said he continues to hit roadblocks in his quest to obtain custody of his son, who is now 2.

“I can’t get a fair hearing in Washington County,” Grados said earlier this week. “I am sticking up for my civil rights.”

Washington County director of administration Scott Fergus called the complaint “frivolous.”

“The complaint doesn’t set forth a cause of action against the county that would hold the county liable for anything,” Fergus said.

Washington County District Attorney Eugene Vittone had no comment.

Carroll Township police Chief Paul Brand said he had not seen the complaint and had no comment. Michelle Robinson-Ritter, Washington County domestic violence center director, also had no comment.

The other listed defendants did not return messages seeking comment.

Grados is seeking a jury trial, $300,000 in damages and wants the court to order the defendants to “cease any further harassment and retaliation” against him.

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