The ACME gas station on the corner is privately owned and operated, and it seems that the local operator, Wile E. Coyote has not been paying the proper amount of sales tax to NYS. After multiple warnings and prior notice from the State advising him of the unpaid monies owed, agents with the NYS Department of Taxation and the local ACME Police Department show up at the station. Mr. Coyote is told to open the business safe and the cash register, and also provide them with all his business records along with access to his computer. He does NOT comply, rather he states that he won't do, anything until he speaks to his lawyer. At this point he is ushered outside by the police, all the items requested are secured and taken by the Tax Agents. When he wants to know more, they refuse and padlock the premises. He is told that agents will be contacting him later, which they do in one week, and arrest him for Tax Evasion, Fraud and Grand Larceny. He pleads not guilty and files a lawsuit against both the State and the city for negligence, injury and loss of income.

Questions:

1. Is this a valid Tort filed by Wile Coyote?
2. Were his rights violated when he requested his lawyer?
3. Were the agents within their legal boundaries to do what they did?
4. Should he be awarded monies for lost wages and other claims?
5. Post your answers to Questions 1 - 4 as your main post.
6. Reply to two other students' main post to engage engage in discussion regarding this case.
   • Do you agree with their answers? Explain why or why not.
   • Do you see this from a different perspective?
   • Is there any other information that you need to know about the case that could influence the outcome of this case?