Former Spring Valley building inspector files federal lawsuit against Rockland County and DA's office

Former Spring Valley building inspector Wayne Ballard has filed a federal lawsuit against Rockland County and the district attorney's office.

Ballard faced charges of falsifying inspection reports related to the Evergreen Assisted Living Facility, which was the site of a deadly fire in 2021. A county court judge acquitted him during his trial.

In his lawsuit, Ballard alleges false arrest, malicious prosecution and violation of civil rights. He is seeking monetary damages.

In response, the county stated that it, along with the county executive and County Legislature, does not direct the prosecution of cases or supervise district attorney employees. There has been no response yet from the district attorney's office.