The head of the Athens County Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, who was arraigned on sexual battery charges earlier this week, has a federal lawsuit pending against him for allegedly using a taser gun on a 71-year-old Athens man without cause.

Athens County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jerry Hallowell, 43, was arraigned Friday on three counts of sexual battery and one count of attempted sexual battery. The charges stem from four incidents in August and September when he coerced an undercover female informant, according to court documents.

The female informant was working for the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation out of the Attorney General Richard Cordray’s office, said David Landefeld, a Fairfield County special prosecuting attorney who is handling the case.

Hallowell also has a lawsuit pending against him in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, which was filed June 28 by Athens resident Lonnie Cooper.

Hallowell and Ohio Adult Parole Officer Paul Koch allegedly entered and searched Cooper’s residence, 1388 Fisher Rd., May 13, 2009. Hallowell and Koch met Cooper on his driveway and allegedly did not have a warrant to search the property or Cooper, according to the complaint.

Cooper told the officers they needed a warrant. Hallowell then allegedly moved toward Cooper and tased him in his left arm and left side, according to the complaint.

Cooper fell onto the hood of his truck from the shock of the taser and then fell to the ground. Cooper then rolled into a ditch and ended up lying on his back, according to the complaint.

Hallowell told Cooper to roll onto his stomach and when he was not able to, Hallowell allegedly tased him again. Cooper was then handcuffed, arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. Cooper’s charge was dismissed because of a lack of probable cause, according to the complaint.

Cooper is asking for $150,000 in compensatory damages, according to the complaint.

Hallowell asked the court to dismiss Cooper’s complaint. The lawsuit against Hallowell is still pending.

Hallowell has been suspended with pay because of his sexual battery charges until Sheriff Pat Kelly or the Athens Grand Jury takes further action.

Hallowell could spend a maximum of 16 years and six months in prison and pay a maximum fine of $35,000 if convicted of the sexual battery and attempted sexual battery charges, according to the Ohio Revised Code.

Kelly could not be reached for comment.