Former Summerville officer accused of murder suing police organization for not covering legal defense

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – A former Summerville police officer accused of murder after shooting a man outside Chick-fil-A is suing the local chapter of a fraternal law enforcement organization for not covering his legal defense.

Attorneys Ronald Richter and Eric Bland filed the suit on behalf of Anthony DeLustro against the Fraternal Order of Police Summerville-Dorchester Lodge #48 on Wednesday.

DeLustro is currently out on a conditional bond after shooting and killing North Carolina native Michael O’Neal during a physical altercation on March 20, 2024.

He is suing FOP #48 for breach of contract and unfair trade practice after the national FOP denied coverage for his legal defense, stating “the matter being the result of alleged actions or conduct that is not related to the course and scope of law enforcement employment.”

Although he was not working when the shooting happened, DeLustro alleges that he was never truly off-duty.

Summerville Police Chief Doug Wright reiterated that an officer is never really off-duty in a press conference on April 10, 2024, the day DeLustro was charged, court documents note.

Even though the FOP Board terminated his benefits, FOP #48 wrote an email to the board asking them to reconsider the decision to take away DeLustro’s benefits, stating the decision is in “stark contrast to our commitment to support local law enforcement agencies and individual officers, especially in times of need.”

DeLustro is asking to be awarded compensation for losses, attorney fees, and damages.  

The full suit is below.