Milberg Sues Georgia Authorities Over Alleged Wrongful Prosecution and 47-Day Detention
Event summary
- Milberg and Radner Law Group filed a federal civil rights lawsuit on February 9, 2026, alleging wrongful prosecution and 47-day detention of Mahendra 'Mick' Patel despite exculpatory video evidence.
- The suit names an Acworth police detective, the Acworth Police Department, and the Cobb County District Attorney's Office as defendants.
- Patel was charged with criminal attempt to commit kidnapping, assault, and battery following a Walmart incident in Kennesaw, Georgia, despite surveillance footage showing no crime occurred.
- Prosecutors allegedly sought to block the release of exculpatory video evidence, and Patel was denied bond, leading to his detention for 47 days.
The big picture
This lawsuit underscores growing scrutiny over prosecutorial discretion and police conduct, particularly in cases involving exculpatory evidence. It reflects broader industry trends where civil rights litigation is increasingly targeting systemic abuses of power within law enforcement. The case also highlights the strategic importance of firms like Milberg in advocating for accountability in complex civil rights matters.
What we're watching
- Legal Precedent
- Whether this lawsuit will set a precedent for holding law enforcement and prosecutors accountable for ignoring exculpatory evidence.
- Systemic Reform
- The pace at which similar cases emerge, highlighting potential systemic issues in prosecution practices.
- Reputational Risk
- How this case may impact the reputation of the Acworth Police Department and Cobb County District Attorney's Office.