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Settlement Payout Likely For Son Of Tampa Councilman

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By ELLEN GEDALIUS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 29, 2008

TAMPA - This week, the city council is expected to approve a $50,000 payout to the son of one of its own.

Councilman Tom Scott said he would abstain from the vote on whether to approve the settlement for Marlon Scott, his 27-year-old son.

In January, the younger Scott filed a notice of intent to sue the city, Hillsborough County and a county animal services investigator, arguing he was unfairly treated by police officers during a 2006 incident.

"I believe it is a reasonable settlement based on the facts of the case," Assistant City Attorney Ursula Richardson said. "We believe he may have had a viable claim."

In November 2006, an officer with Hillsborough County Animal Services visited Marlon Scott's house to check on a complaint that his two Rottweilers were restrained in the sun with short chains and no shelter.

The next day, the officer took away the dogs.

That night, Tampa police Officers Terrance Covais and Lenis Dawson arrested Scott. He was charged with obstructing an officer with violence, battery on an officer and animal cruelty.

The state attorney's office didn't pursue the animal cruelty charges, and the other charges were later dropped.

Scott is represented by prominent Tampa attorney Barry Cohen's law firm. His attorneys say that he was unfairly harassed and embarrassed by the incident.

Marlon Scott could not be reached for comment Monday, and his attorney did not return a message.

His father, the councilman, said he hadn't closely followed the case but was pleased to hear about the proposed offer.

"It's a good indication of vindicating him from the crime he was charged with," Tom Scott said.

The city council is scheduled to vote Thursday on the proposed settlement. The proposal would give $40,000 to Marlon Scott and his attorneys; $5,000 to his wife; and $1,250 to each of his four children.

"They witnessed their father being arrested," Richardson said.

Hillsborough County turned over the claim to a claims adjustment firm to investigate.

No settlement is imminent, said Rob Brazel, a county managing attorney.

Reporter Ellen Gedalius can be reached at (813) 259-7679 or egedalius@tampatrib.com.

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