“This case is about whether police officers can be held accountable when they lie,” lawyers brace for 4th Amendment SCOTUS case.

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Ohio jewelry store owner Jascha Chiaverini bought a men’s ring, and a diamond earring for $45.

A couple came forward, saying the jewelry was theirs, and that it had been stolen.

Marie Miller with the Institute for Justice says, that’s when the cops got involved.

“Police were investigating the matter, and essentially told him ‘hold onto the ring for evidence,’ but also, give it back,” said Miller. “So, conflicting instructions.”

When the Chiaverini didn’t give the ring back, police took action.

“Ultimately, officers applied for a warrant for his arrest for multiple charges. One charge was a felony, and that one was based on made up evidence from the officers,” said Miller. “The officers lied in the affidavit, then went back and edited their police reports to support this unfounded charge for felony money laundering.”

Those charges landed Chiaverini in jail for four days. He sued the officers for violating his fourth amendment right. The Supreme Court will now decided if they did.

“Officers do important jobs, especially when they are out there on the front lines as first responders are acting under time, pressured in time, pressured environments,” said Anya Bidwell, a lawyer for the Institute for Justice. “We’re not disputing that. But it doesn’t mean that police officers should get a blank check with regard to all other actions.”

Oral arguments for this case will be heard Monday. A decision is expected by June

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