NOTE 3/13/2012 CIVIL SUIT SETTLED W/GAG ORDER

(Condensed) Complaint of Mr. Dennis OSullivan / November 30, 2011

Mr. OSullivan is in his late 60s and retired. He lives in Pike Creek, just south of
Hockessin. He has an undergrad degree from Yale, 2 masters and a PHD. He worked as
an investigator in Philadelphia for 20 years, and eight years as a private investigator. His
advanced degrees were through grants from a federal law enforcement program (Law
Enforcement Admin Assist). He has taught at the University of Delaware as a visiting
scholar and is certified to teach baton work for law enforcement.
On April 22, 2007, Mr. OSullivan was walking his golden retriever when the dog was
attacked by a neighbors doberman. Mr. OSullivan called 911, who sent out Delaware
Animal Care and Control (DEACC). Animal Control Officer (ACO) William Brown
responded. ACO Brown is much younger and larger than Mr. OSullivan, who reportss
that ACO Brown was angry about something when he arrived, and the situation got worse.
When Mr. OSullivan asked to file a complaint about the attack on his dog, ACO Brown
struck him in the chest with a metal baton, causing pain and difficulty breathing. Mr.
OSullivan asked the ACO if he was a law enforcement agent and if he had gone to the
Police Academy. ACO Brown said yes to both question, then further assaulted Mr.
OSullivan with the baton around the neck, knocked him to the ground and sadistically
struck him with the baton several more times. After handcuffing Mr. OSullivan, ACO
Brown, who was agitated and looked out of control, then contacted his supervisor for
assistance. While the assault happened, Mrs. OSullivan obtained a camera and
documented the incident.
New Castle County Police responded. Mr. OSullivan asked his wife to take his
identification, which identified him as a retired investigator, from his pocket. An
ambulance was called to take Mr. OSullivan to the hospital. While being treated, a nurse
told Mr. OSullivan that he was the second elderly person to be treated with injuries caused
by an ACO. She refused to say anything further. Mr. OSullivan was subsequently
arrested for menacing ACO Brown. The District Attorneys office declined to prosecute,
and the arrest was expunged.
Mr. OSullivan has sustained permanent damage to his hand and arm. For the last 4 years,
he has been represented by, Gary Aber, a civil rights attorney. A forensic specialist was
hired to review the case, and his report is available for review.
The KCSPCA has a $1M insurance policy, and the insurance companys lawyers defend
their clients aggressively. Whether the case is settled out of court or goes to trial, there will
likely be a non-disclosure clause. At this time, Mr. OSullivan feels that he can tell his
story to anyone who will listen, and he will share documents that are a matter of public
record (such as the forensic report).
Mr. OSullivan can no longer discuss the details of his experience with the KCSPCA and
DEACC.