Detective Sues Rhode Island Law Enforcement for His Wrongful Conviction

The former Warwick police detective imprisoned for murder is filing a civil lawsuit against those involved in his wrongful conviction.

Jeffrey Scott Hornoff served six years, four months and 18 days for a murder he didn't commit. He was released in 2002 only after Todd Barry, a carpenter from Cranston, stepped forward and admitted to killing Victoria Cushman in August 1989.

Now, Hornoff has filed a lawsuit.

The complaint states that "beyond compensating Hornoff ... the lawsuit seeks to redress the unlawful municipal policies and practices."

The complaint names as defendants several Warwick and state police detectives, many now retired, and accuses them of willfully mishandling and omitting evidence that led to Hornoff's wrongful conviction.

The complaint also details Hornoff's time in prison, saying because he was a police officer, "he had to be held in protective custody," was "deprived of spending time with his three young sons" and "often shared a cell with violent sex offenders."

It also alleges Hornoff suffers from post traumatic stress disorder, physical problems, depression and claustrophobia, among other things.

There are 12 counts in all. The counts against all defendants include violation of due process and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Hornoff told NBC 10 News in a phone interview that although he would like to talk about the case, he can't at this time. His attorney also declined comment, as did state police.

Warwick police Col. Stephen McCartney told NBC 10 News he's not surprised by the suit, and said Hornoff has his right to have his day in court.

Previous Stories:

• February 25, 2004: Wrongly Convicted Officer Seeks Added Pay
• January 14, 2004: Hornoff Not Selected For Jury Duty
• January 7, 2004: Court Awards Hornoff Reinstatement, Back Pay
• September 5, 2003: Hornoff Remarries
• August 27, 2003: Videotape Shows Evidence From Cushman Crime Scene
• August 14, 2003: Hornoff Intends To Sue City For Wrongful Conviction
• April 26, 2003: Warwick Officials Deny Hornoff's Pension Request
• March 14, 2003: Judge Dismisses Hornoff's Case Against Corrections Dept.
• February 12, 2003: Ex-Wife Seeks Half Of Hornoff Settlement
• January 22, 2003: Hornoff's Ex-Wife Seeks Share Of Any Settlement
• January 8, 2003: Hornoff Criticizes Investigators
• January 7, 2003: Exonerated Hornoff Talks On NBC's 'Today' Show
• January 6, 2003: Barry Pleads Guilty; Hornoff Cleared
• January 3, 2003: Confessed Killer Pleads Not Guilty In Cushman Case
• December 18, 2002: Grand Jury Indicts Confessed Cushman Killer
• November 20, 2002: Cushman Grand Jury Calls Suspect's Brother
• November 14, 2002: Judge Orders Confessed Killer Held Without Bail
• November 5, 2002: Police Charge New Suspect In Cushman Murder

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