A Louisiana citizen has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that law enforcement officers violated her constitutional rights during a traffic stop and subsequent detention. The case centers on claims of false arrest, excessive force, and unlawful search by two state troopers, as well as broader allegations against the Louisiana State Police regarding training and supervision practices.
According to court documents filed by Tamara A. Haynes in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on March 18, 2026, defendants named in the suit include State Trooper Tanner Zordan, State Trooper Jacob Robinson—both in their individual and official capacities—and the Louisiana State Police.
The complaint outlines that on January 18, 2025, and again on May 6, 2025, Haynes was traveling northbound on Highway 139 in Monroe when she was stopped by Trooper Zordan “without probable cause or reasonable suspicion.” Haynes states that she complied with all requests for identification but was ordered out of her vehicle under reference to Pennsylvania v. Mimms. She alleges that after complying with this order she was immediately handcuffed and arrested without being informed of any charges.
Haynes further claims that both Zordan and Robinson conducted a warrantless search of her person, vehicle, and belongings despite her objections. The complaint asserts that “both Defendants used excessive force, including slamming Plaintiff against a vehicle,” which resulted in injury and the towing of her car. She maintains that at no point did she pose a threat or resist officers.
Following her arrest, Haynes reports being detained for approximately seven weeks. She alleges that no valid warrant existed for her arrest because it “was not signed by a judge,” rendering it invalid. Additionally, she contends she was not properly advised of her rights pursuant to Miranda v. Arizona before being deprived of liberty without due process.
The lawsuit asserts multiple causes of action under federal law—including false arrest under the Fourth Amendment; unlawful search and seizure; excessive force; false imprisonment; due process violations; and failure to train or supervise officers under Monell liability standards. In support of these claims, Haynes cites several Supreme Court precedents such as Beck v. Ohio (1964), Katz v. United States (1967), Graham v. Connor (1989), Gerstein v. Pugh (1975), Mathews v. Eldridge (1976), and Monell v. Department of Social Services (1978).
Haynes argues that “the misconduct described herein was the result of policies, customs, or failure to train by Louisiana State Police” rather than isolated incidents involving only individual officers. She further asserts that qualified immunity should not apply because “defendants violated clearly established constitutional rights of which a reasonable officer would have known” and “no reasonable officer would believe the conduct described was lawful.”
In terms of relief sought from the court, Haynes is requesting compensatory damages totaling $1,250,000 for unlawful detention ($490,000), emotional distress ($150,000), physical injury ($210,000), loss of liberty ($250,000), and financial hardship ($150,000). She also seeks punitive damages amounting to $500,000 due to what she describes as “reckless and callous indifference,” bringing total requested damages to $2,250,000.
Beyond monetary compensation, Haynes is asking for declaratory relief stating that defendants violated her constitutional rights; an injunction preventing future unlawful arrests or searches; policy reform within the Louisiana State Police; new training requirements; denial of qualified immunity for defendants; recognition of liability under Section 1983; as well as any other relief deemed just by the court.
The complaint is verified by Tamara A. Haynes herself acting pro se (sui juris). No attorneys are listed in connection with this filing as per available documentation. The case is identified as Case No. 3:26-cv-00873.
Source: 326cv00873_Tamara_Haynes_v_State_Trooper_Complaint_Western_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
