The Deposition of Michael Polson - James Linlor v. Michael Polson (2017)

Case Number: 1:17-cv-00013 Venue Filed: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division) Filing Date: January 4, 2017 Nature of the Case: Fourth Amendment Violations and Excessive Force This is the deposition of William Whetsell, a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO) working at the Washington Dulles International Airport at the time of the complaint. This case stems from a security checkpoint incident in November 2016 at Washington Dulles International Airport. The plaintiff, James Linlor, was selected for a standard pat-down screening. Because of his role as the checkpoint supervisor, STSO William Whetsell was notified and involved in the escalation. Linlor alleged that during the procedure, Whetsell used excessive force and touched him inappropriately, causing physical pain and severe distress. Acting as his own attorney, Linlor filed a Bivens action asserting that the TSA supervisor's conduct directly violated his Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and excessive force. The case ultimately resolved in favor of the defendant. Although the district court initially denied Whetsell's early motion to dismiss, it later ruled against Linlor and terminated the case on February 1, 2018.Linlor later appealed the decision, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit reviewed the record and affirmed the lower court's dismissal in September 2018, finding no reversible error. Linlor subsequently petitioned the Supreme Court of the United States, which officially denied his petition in early 2019.