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WILKES-BARRE — Luzerne County officials have moved for the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a former county inmate who says his neck was broken by a correctional officer.

Edward Hernandez filed a lawsuit Dec. 6, 2016, in which he alleges that his head was slammed against the ground by Corrections Officer Kristopher Renfer as Renfer restrained him in June 2016.

The attorney representing Hernandez, Matthew T. Comerford, says Hernandez suffered a broken neck, a large wound on his head that needed 28 stitches and herniated discs.

Hernandez is seeking compensation for damages both mental and physical. He also wants Renfer and other officials to be “held accountable.”

Meanwhile, in a filing earlier this week, the county asked for the dismissal of Hernandez’s lawsuit, including eliminating the request for punitive actions against the defendants.

Robin B. Snyder, attorney for the county, argued that Hernandez’s case is built on previous allegations against Renfer at other jobs, allegations that Snyder calls “impertinent, immaterial and scandalous.”

Snyder also cited other apparent problems with Hernandez’s suit, including the fact that Corrections Director Mark Rockovich is listed as a defendant. Snyder says Rockovich became the head of the prison after the incident.

Snyder sought to have allegations against the remaining defendants dismissed, saying the other prison officials had no personal involvement with the case.

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By Patrick Kernan

[email protected]

Reach Patrick Kernan at 570-991-6386 or on Twitter @PatKernan