Retired trooper faces civil “emotional distress” claim

A retired state trooper who pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges stemming from an incident at his ex-girlfriend’s Groton apartment last year is now facing a claim in civil court that he inflicted "emotional distress" on the woman’s new boyfriend during the encounter.
George Lopez of Groton claims in the lawsuit in New London Superior Court that Paul T. Vera, 45, of Waterford, burst into the Michelle Lane apartment where Lopez was "engaged in sexual relations" with Amy Branchaud in the early morning hours of Nov. 9, 2008. The lawsuit says Vera forced the bedroom door open, leaving a foot-long crack in it, and pointed a gun at Lopez. Vera claims he was not carrying a weapon. The girlfriend, who admitted she was intoxicated during the incident, gave police conflicting statements.
Westerly attorney Michael Bradley, representing Lopez, describes the encounter in colorful language in the lawsuit.
"While wielding the weapon and pointing it at the plaintiff (Lopez), the defendant (Vera) offered his opinion that Ms. Branchaud was, euphemistically, a person of ill repute and, while making no claims concerning the morals of (Lopez), nevertheless pointed the weapon at (Lopez) while indicating his present ability and in fact, inclination, to substantially alter that part of (Lopez’s) anatomy responsible for human reproduction and end his life," the complaint says.
A 22-year-veteran of the state police, Vera was placed on administrative leave following the incident. He pleaded "nolo contendere" to second-degree breach of peace and third-degree criminal mischief on March 5, 2009 and was ordered to attend 26 sessions of a domestic violence program or face imprisonment for up to six months.
Vera has retired from the state police force, according to spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance, who said the trooper took advantage of one of the state’s early retirement incentive offers.
Defense attorney Drzislav "Dado" Coric is representing Vera.  
"We will be defending the case vigorously and are confident that once all the evidence has been presented, the jury will find that he is not liable for the claimed damages."
Vera had previously had a romantic relationship with Branchaud, an exotic dancer, and the couple lived together for several months, according to a court document. They remained friends after Branchaud moved into the Groton apartment.