Ohio professor fired after rape charges sues

CINCINNATI (AP) — A former Ohio college professor found not guilty of rape and kidnapping charges has sued the university, which fired him, the police and the media, saying the matter “defamed and destroyed” his personal and professional life.

Hollant “Max” Adrien, 53, filed a federal civil-rights lawsuit Tuesday seeking $50 million from Springfield police, and $110 million combined from two newspapers and four TV stations.

He also sued Wittenberg University, seeking to be reinstated and awarded $2 million. In lieu of reinstatement, Adrien seeks $10 million from the university.

Adrien accuses the police department of maliciously arresting him in October 2012 and the university of improperly firing him two months before his trial, during which he was found not guilty.

Springfield police chief Stephen Moody and a university spokesman did not immediately return calls for comment today.