

BLM co-founder & Pastor Carl Soto files $5.5M civil rights lawsuit claiming a Hillsborough deputy assaulted him during a traffic stop.
Soto was pulled over for a license plate decal with the Joker in August 2024 in Tampa, Florida
He claims the deputy used excessive force and acted with racial bias.
“This deputy had no regard. Because of his actions, this is a blatant direct violation to my civil rights,” Soto stated during a press conference.
Soto says the incident worsened his recent back surgery injuries.
He accuses HCSO of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Soto was charged with resisting arrest without violence, but the charges have been dropped.
HCSO defended the deputy’s actions when the footage was released
“This deputy was trying to have this resolved…time and time again,” Granit said.
“This didn’t have to end this way, but it did because of Mr. Soto’s actions.”