In a striking case that raises questions about law enforcement practices, a Florida woman has filed a lawsuit against the local sheriff’s office after being bitten by a police dog. Nancy Diggs initiated legal action on September 4, 2025, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, naming the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Bob Gualtieri as defendants.
The complaint details an incident that occurred on March 11, 2024, when Diggs was bitten by a police K9 named Rogue. The dog was under the control of Deputy Bynum at the time. According to Diggs’ allegations, the bite resulted from “negligent handling and/or negligent deployment” of Rogue by Deputy Bynum. The situation was further aggravated by what Diggs claims was inadequate training and negligent use of the K9 unit. Adding to her grievances is the fact that Deputy Bynum did not have his body-worn camera activated during the incident, which she argues is a violation of standard policies and procedures.
Diggs’ complaint goes on to accuse the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office of ratifying and accepting such conduct through their internal practices. She cites an instance where her injury was allegedly celebrated within the department on their “March Catches” list. As a result of these actions, Diggs asserts she has suffered bodily injuries leading to pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, medical expenses, and loss of capacity for enjoyment of life—injuries she claims are either permanent or continuing.
In her negligence claim against both the Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Gualtieri in his official capacity, Diggs contends that they owed her a duty to exercise reasonable care in training and supervising their officers and canines. She accuses them of breaching this duty through negligent training and supervision of both Deputy Bynum and K9 Rogue. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, she holds them vicariously liable for Deputy Bynum’s actions while he was acting within his employment scope.
Seeking justice for her ordeal, Nancy Diggs demands judgment against both defendants for damages exceeding $50,000—exclusive of interest, costs, and attorney’s fees—and requests a trial by jury on all issues triable as a matter of right.
Representing Nancy Diggs is Jonathan A. Foster from The Pendas Law Firm based in Orlando. The Case Number is: 25-005009-CI.
Source: 25005009CI_Nancy_Diggs_v_Pinellas_County_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida_.pdfSource: 25005009CI_Nancy_Diggs_v_Pinellas_County_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida_.pdfSource: 25005009CI_Nancy_Diggs_v_Pinellas_County_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida_.pdf
