Man sues South Charleston over search of his motel room

CHARLESTON – A man claims that South Charleston police busted into his motel room and seized money from him, though the officers didn't have a warrant and he was never charged or given his money back.

John Bradberry filed a lawsuit July 16 in Kanawha Circuit Court against the city.

Bradberry claims that on May 11, 2009, officers unlawfully entered his room at the Microtel in South Charleston. He claims the officers searched his room and found no evidence of drugs.

But he claims they did find $7,000 in cash, which was confiscated and hasn't been given back.

He says he was not arrested, not ever summoned to court to face any charges.

Bradberry believes that the actions of the officers were motivated by his being black.

Michael T. Clifford is representing the plaintiff. The case is before Kanawha Circuit Judge Paul Zakaib.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 09-C-1283