Court dismisses Nebraska man's false rape lawsuit

Story here. Excerpt:

'A Wymore man falsely accused of rape will appeal the dismissal of his lawsuit against Gage County and several of its deputies, his lawyer said Friday.

Elliot Hawkins, 50, sued the county and law enforcement officials over his 2011 arrest, accusing officials of negligence and saying they violated his due process rights by conducting a reckless investigation and intentionally ignoring leads that would have exonerated him. The lawsuit sought an unspecified amount for lost earnings capacity, damage to his reputation and emotional distress, among other things.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Cheryl Zwart granted the county's motion for summary judgment, saying the defendants have immunity from liability.

Hawkins' arrest came after Jennifer Valenta, 28, of Wilber told authorities she was raped by four men, including Hawkins. Investigators later determined her injuries from the alleged attack were self-inflicted, and she admitted to fabricating the rape. She pleaded no contest to evidence tampering, false reporting and attempted prostitution and was sentenced earlier this year to 32 to 60 months in prison.'