Franklin Co. mother arrested for filming traffic stop on her porch, lawsuit says
A Franklin County woman is suing two Kentucky State Police troopers after they arrested her for filming an illegal traffic stop, according to a new federal lawsuit.
Christen Johnson filed the suit June 25 against troopers Myron Jackson and Jason Briscoe claiming they retaliated against her for exercising her First and Fourth Amendment rights.
The lawsuit alleges battery, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution.
After state police leadership became aware of the incident in May 2025, an internal investigation started and is ongoing,” according to Sherry Bray, spokesperson for KSP.
She said they are unable to comment on the ongoing investigation and pending litigation.
“Kentucky State Police is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and morals in service to citizens of Kentucky,” she said.
Bray confirmed the two men are still assigned to Post 12 in Frankfort.
What happened during the arrest
On July 31, 2024, Jackson pulled over Christina Calvert for what he believed were expired tags. Calvert is Johnson’s mother, according to the lawsuit.
Calvert pulled into Johnson’s driveway and Johnson came outside to see the cruiser with its lights on. Johnson began to explain the tags were still valid.
Jackson threatened Johnson and said if she did not go inside she would be arrested, according to the lawsuit. Johnson did go inside, but returned to her front walkway where she began filming the interaction, according to the lawsuit.
She did not speak to officers, interfere with the traffic stop or pose a threat to officers, according to court documents.
Jackson noticed Johnson recording and said, “Go inside of the house or I will take you from your kids and take you to jail.”
Johnson asserted her right to record the interaction from a safe distance. Jackson responded by grabbing Johnson’s wrists and placing her under arrest.
Jackson yanked Johnson’s arm, causing her to fall, at which point Jackson began dragging Johnson through the gravel driveway, according to the lawsuit.
He then “pushed” Johnson into his cruiser on her hands and knees. He did not issue a written citation or warning regarding the tags.
Calvert contacted supervisor Jason Briscoe, who reviewed the body camera footage but ultimately decided “he would not interfere with the arrest.”
Johnson was booked into the Franklin County Regional Jail. She was released the next day.
On February 27, 2025, the district court dismissed the charges against Johnson citing no probable cause for the arrest.
Johnson is seeking punitive damages. A hearing has not been scheduled.
