A routine traffic stop spiraled into a legal battle as a woman claims her constitutional rights were violated by a deputy sheriff. Michelle Rodriguez-Gray filed a civil rights complaint against Deputy Aaron J. Devries in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona on December 8, 2025. The lawsuit alleges that Devries unlawfully detained and searched Rodriguez-Gray’s vehicle without proper cause, infringing upon her Fourth Amendment rights.
The incident in question occurred on August 20, 2025, when Mohave County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Devries stopped Rodriguez-Gray for speeding. After verifying her license, registration, and insurance, Devries issued her a written warning instead of a ticket. However, the situation escalated when Devries expressed his desire to search Rodriguez-Gray’s vehicle. Despite her refusal to consent to the search, Devries handcuffed her and conducted the search anyway, prolonging her detention by over 42 minutes. “This is a lawsuit for money damages brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983,” states the complaint, highlighting the alleged deprivation of Rodriguez-Gray’s constitutional right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Rodriguez-Gray recounts how she was asked to step out of her vehicle while leaving her young son and dog inside during the ordeal. Despite initially allowing Devries to run his K-9 around her car, she questioned his reasons and ultimately refused consent for further action. Nevertheless, Devries proceeded with the search after claiming that his K-9 alerted him to something in the car. No contraband was found during this search.
The complaint argues that once Devries had completed issuing warnings and citations, there was no reasonable suspicion left to justify prolonging Rodriguez-Gray’s detention or conducting an arrest. It accuses Devries of acting recklessly with callous indifference towards federally protected rights, resulting in mental suffering and humiliation for Rodriguez-Gray.
In seeking justice from the court, Rodriguez-Gray requests compensatory damages for emotional distress alongside punitive damages aimed at deterring similar conduct by law enforcement officers in the future. Additionally, she seeks attorney fees and litigation costs under applicable laws.
Represented by attorneys John H. Bradley and R. Rick Resch from Strang Bradley LLC based in Madison, Wisconsin, Michelle Rodriguez-Gray demands accountability from Deputy Aaron J. Devries through this legal action (Case ID: 3:25-cv-08263-DWL).
Source: 325cv08263_Rodriguez_Gray_v_Devries_Complaint_District_Arizona.pdf
