Federal class-action lawsuit filed against King City and police officers

Lawyers have filed a federal class action lawsuit against King City and police officers in the wake of the arrest of six officers.

The suit alleges that civil rights violations were committed against several community members.

“This lawsuit provides at least some relief for the many residents of King City who were subject to serious civil rights violations,” said attorney Blanca E. Zaraza.

She and fellow attorney Fernando Chavez filed the suit in U.S. District Court this week.

“It’s quite amazing that in 2014, Latinos continue to suffer the types of injustices which occurred decades ago, and which the Civil Rights Act of 1983 sought to correct,” said Chavez, the son of renowned labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez.

The two attorneys plan to hold a press conference at City Hall Thursday afternoon to discuss the lawsuit.

The six police officers arrested last month face charges ranging from embezzlement to illegal possession of firearms. Some of the officer have been accused of being part of an apparent scheme to impound cars and and have them towed. The alleged scheme apparently targeted Latino residents.

Central Coast News will bring you updates as this story continues to unfold.