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Parents sue over abuse arrest



DETROIT, June 14 (UPI) -- A Michigan couple arrested in 2007 for allegedly abusing their autistic daughter are suing police and prosecutors involved in the case, court records indicate.

Charges against Julian and Thal Wendrow of West Bloomfield were dismissed four months after their arrest. Their federal lawsuit names former Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcya and other defendants, including the West Bloomfield police, the Detroit Free Press reported Sunday.

The Wendrows say much of the case against them was based on statements made by their 14-year-old daughter using a technique known as facilitated communication, involving an aide helping their daughter type. Many experts believe communications produced this way do not reflect what an autistic person is trying to say, but the prosecutors did no research before relying on it, the lawsuit says.

The defendants are likely to rely on governmental immunity, which protects public employees carrying out their duties. That means the Wendrows must prove more than ordinary negligence.

Julian Wendrow was charged with sexually assaulting his daughter, while his wife was charged with failing to take action to protect her.