Lawsuit: Pa. scam victim jailed for a week

Lawsuit: Pa. scam victim jailed for a week

NEW CASTLE, Pa. (AP) — A western Pennsylvania man who says he was the victim of an Internet scam is suing the officer who arrested him, claiming police failed to properly investigate before arresting him.

Scott Tomasello says he was sent two forged checks as part of a scam after posting an ad for a roommate on Craigslist in February. He says he became suspicious and alerted the bank, but was arrested two weeks later by New Castle police.

Tomasello says he spent a week in jail because he couldn’t post bail. The charges were eventually withdrawn when Tomasello agreed to return the money.

Sgt. Kevin Seelbaugh is the lone defendant named in the suit.