Salt Lake City, USA - A former police officer from a polygamous community has filed a lawsuit against Arizona officials, claiming he was defamed and his civil rights violated when they revoked his police certification.
Attorneys for Preston Barlow filed the lawsuit Friday in Maricopa County Superior Court. Named as defendants are Attorney General Terry Goddard, two investigators and the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board.
Barlow's certification was revoked in September 2007 after allegations of misconduct.
The lawsuit contends that Barlow, a member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was targeted for his faith. Attorneys claim the investigation focused on Barlow's religious leaders and whether he had communicated with Warren Jeffs when the FLDS leaders was a fugitive.