An Oregon man has settled a federal lawsuit over what he says was his First Amendment right to express himself by giving the finger to sheriff's deputies
The Oregonian reports Robert Ekas settled the suit for $4,000.
In his lawsuit, Ekas said that in July 2007, he flipped off a Clackamas County deputy while driving, and the deputy gave him tickets for illegal lane change and improper display of license plates. Ekas was acquitted on the citations. A month later, he gave the finger to another deputy, who detained him but wrote no tickets.
Ekas alleged he was being harassed.
A story earlier this year in the Portland newspaper brought Ekas national media attention, including an appearance on Comedy Central's "Colbert Report."
County officials say it was cheaper to settle the case than to proceed with defending the suit.
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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com
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