Council Grove Police Chief Shawn Wangerin and a woman accusing him of violating certain constitutional rights have apparently settled a federal lawsuit.
Tisha Richardson filed her lawsuit in June 2024 after her son allegedly began a dating relationship with Wangerin’s daughter that eventually led to claims by Wangerin of nonconsensual sex between the teenagers, both of whom were under age 15 at the time. Richardson’s son was eventually charged with rape and accepted a plea agreement on a lesser count.
Richardson had alleged Wangerin obtained a protection from stalking order against Richardson without merit, accusing Morris County Detective Ryan Young of supporting Wangerin’s “vendetta” against Richardson and leading to criminal charges of stalking, violating a protective order and criminal false communication. The case was ultimately dismissed.
Richardson had cited alleged violations of the First Amendment based on retaliation; and the Fourth and 15th Amendments, based on malicious prosecution and abuse of process. She had also cited allegations of state law for malicious prosecution, abuse of process and outrageous conduct causing severe emotional distress. Wangerin denied the allegations of constitutional violations.
The lawsuit was settled as part of mediation processes last month. Terms are not posted to the federal Public Access to Electronic Court Records website.
