WOMAN WHOM OFFICERS PUNCHED SEEKS $500,000

Beloit - A woman punched repeatedly in the abdomen while Beloit police
officers were trying to see whether she had cocaine in her mouth has
filed a $500,000 claim against the city.

Charges of drug possession and resisting arrest that had been filed
against Jeannetta Vance, 42, were dismissed in September after a judge
ruled the officers' actions had violated her constitutional rights.

In his request for a $500,000 settlement from the city, attorney Scott
McCarthy said that since a judge has already ruled Vance was
unreasonably searched, the only issue left to litigate is compensation
for Vance. If the matter goes to court, McCarthy said, he will seek
more than $500,000.

Beloit City Attorney Dick Holm said he had no comment on the claim,
which has been referred to the city's insurance company.