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Woman Sues Otsego County for $5 Million over Alleged Sheriff’s Office Misconduct

By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZELONEONTA

A Franklin woman representing herself sued Otsego County, the Sheriff’s Office and two deputies in May over alleged misconduct. In seeking $5 million in damages, Janel Whitbeck alleges false arrest, deliberate indifference to her medical needs, violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and failure to appropriately train deputies. AllOtsego first reported the lawsuit as part of coverage of a November county board meeting.

The lawsuit recounts a March 1, 2025 incident at the Oneonta Walmart. Whitbeck claims that while she was checking out, her service dog alerted her to the onset of a transient ischemic attack, or TIA, often referred to as a ministroke. As Whitbeck attempted to return to her car for medication, the complaint says, Walmart staff called for the deputies and took her to a back security office. The complaint does not describe what happened with the items Whitbeck was purchasing.

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