Warren man sues Trumbull, Warren officials for conspiring to convict him

YOUNGSTOWN — A Warren man who spent six years in a state prison before his murder conviction was reversed has filed a civil lawsuit in federal court.

Shawn Armstrong, 38, of Sutton Place, acting as his own attorney, wants a jury to award him compensatory and punitive damages and attorney fees and costs. He alleges that police and prosecutors conspired to convict him.

The case was filed late Friday and has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Peter C. Economus in Youngstown federal court.

Defendants named in the lawsuit included Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins, Warren Police Chief John Mandopoulos and several police officers.

Vindicator files show Armstrong had been convicted in the Aug. 9, 1998 shooting death of Braderick McMillan at the Elks Club on Highland Avenue in Warren Township. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison in 2000.

For the complete story, see Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.