WILKES-BARRE – A former Wilkes-Barre police officer has been sued by three Luzerne County women in the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County over allegations of sexual misconduct.
The three women, whose identities were concealed and labeled as H. Doe, D. Doe and L. Doe sued both the city of Wilkes-Barre and police officer Robert Collins on May 9 over allegations Collins assaulted them while on duty.
The case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by the defendants on May 22 and assigned to Judge Malachy E. Mannion.
H. Doe’s alleged incident occurred on May 21, 2016. She alleged she was driving a friend’s car and didn’t have a driver’s license. The suit states Collins stopped her, knowing she didn’t have a license thanks to previous encounters with her but did not take her into custody. H. Doe alleged later Collins told her if she performed oral sex, he wouldn’t press charges. He allegedly then drove to the back of an abandoned downtown building where they got out of the car and she alleges she was forced to perform oral sex because of his "oppression and coercion." The suit states she was still charged with driving without a license two days later.
D. Doe alleged her encounter with Collins took place on Feb. 26, 2017. She alleges Collins was on duty when he confronted D. Doe concerning a warrant. He allegedly told her he would give her $20 if she did him a favor before he instructed her to get in the back of his car. They allegedly went to a private area where he told her to perform oral sex and she complied without her consent.
As for L. Doe, the suit states she was caught shoplifting from a Wilkes-Barre Rite Aid and gave a false name to the arresting officer because she had a warrant. At the station, she alleges she ran into Collins who vouched her fake name. When they left the station, Collins allegedly offered her a ride and while they were in the car, Collins pulled into a parking lot and allegedly assaulted L. Doe.
All three plaintiffs sued the city with over allegations that it was not only aware of but also tolerated Collins’ behavior. The suit cites several other alleged examples where Collins was accused of sexually assaulting women.
They sued over alleged violations of the Fourth Amendment’s due process rights, assault and battery. They asked for $50,000 plus damages and interest, as well as attorneys’ fees. They are represented by the Dyller Law Firm in Wilkes-Barre and by Matthew L. Clemente of Pittston.