A Florida resident has filed a civil tort complaint alleging gross negligence and violations of privacy rights by a county clerk’s office. On February 16, 2026, Dusan Babic submitted the complaint to the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, accusing Ken Burke, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller of Pinellas County, and Deputy Clerk Maria F. of mishandling confidential medical records.
The case stems from Babic’s criminal prosecution in Pinellas County, where he was under psychiatric care. He alleges that during his appeal process in 2020, confidential mental health documents were transmitted to Burke’s office. Despite statutory protections under Florida law and HIPAA regulations meant to safeguard such information, Babic claims that on June 27, 2023, Deputy Clerk Maria F. negligently published his sensitive medical data online without redaction. This breach allegedly led to strangers contacting his family with harassing messages, causing him severe emotional distress.
Babic asserts that this disclosure violated Article I, Section 23 of the Florida Constitution and other legal protections ensuring medical confidentiality. The plaintiff accuses Burke and Maria F. of failing to uphold their duties as custodians of public records by not safeguarding private information from public exposure. He highlights that these actions resulted in significant psychological harm and potential threats to his safety due to possible retaliation or harassment.
In seeking justice, Babic demands damages exceeding $50,000 for emotional distress and loss of privacy. He also requests compensation for legal costs and any future losses related to this incident. The complaint underscores the need for accountability within public offices handling sensitive personal data.
Representing himself pro se from Polk Correctional Institution, Babic seeks a jury trial for this case (Case No. 26-001012-Cl).
Source: ce1ddbe6_Dusan_Babic_v_Ken_Burke_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
