SCRANTON - A former Scranton school official who was charged with ignoring asbestos and lead issue has filed a federal lawsuit more than a year after he was cleared of wrongdoing.
Jeff Brazil sued the Scranton School Board and others on Sept. 28 in Scranton federal court, claiming the allegations were concocted for political reasons. Brazil, the former director of facilities and grounds, was arrested on Sept. 30, 2020, but the state Attorney General's Office dropped the charges against him and two others in June 2021.
They had faced accusations they endangered the welfare of children by failing to correct asbestos and lead issues in Scranton schools. Among the defendants are a state trooper and a special agent with the AG's office, as well as Superintendent Melissa McTiernan.
"Plaintiff’s arrest was clearly orchestrated by then attorney general, Joshua’s Shapiro’s office, as a 'dog and pony' show designed for maximum publicity as evidence by the press conference scheduled in advance for the same day," the suit says.
"At the press conference, Shapiro, by and through the efforts of Defendants, made wildly bombastic and slanderous remarks about Plaintiff designed to generate 'buzz' and positive publicity. This is all the attorney general’s office wanted – they destroyed a man’s life for political gain."
The full complaint can be viewed here. Guzzardo & Associates represents Brazil.