Federal suit continues in jail cell snake torture claim despite motion

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - Dale County, Sheriff Wally Olsen, and county jail captain Ron Nelson have been dropped from a federal lawsuit that claims a python was used to torture and intimidate a former inmate. Two corrections officers remain named in the ongoing suit.

Trawick Redding, Jr. filed the federal suit after he says the corrections officers brought a live python to the jail back in 2013 in an effort to torture him. Redding says he awoke in his cell to find the officers, identified as Zeneth Glenn and Ryan Mittelnach, holding a yellow Burmese python close to his face.

Attorney Martin Weingberg says his client had warned officers prior to the incident that he did not like snakes and believes Redding was specifically targeted for harassment. Weingberg contends his client was the only one subjected to the treatment.

Redding, who is seeking court costs and putative damages for up to $3 million, claims he wasn't provided any psychiatric care and subsequently suffered anxiety, night terrors, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Sheriff Olsen says he fired both Glenn and Mittelnach after learning of the incident.

Copyright 2016 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.