The officer, Joshua Cromer, arrested John Michael in February of 2006 in Lexington on a drunken driving charge. Following the incident, Cromer claimed that the singer made several false allegations against him to the police department’s internal affairs unit. John Michael claimed that Cromer stole his cowboy hat and also alleged that he was a target for arrest because of his celebrity status. Cromer has been dismissed from the Lexington police department and is appealing his termination. He filed the lawsuit on Aug. 13. In a written statement, John Michael declares, “I am disappointed to learn of the filing of this lawsuit. I want to thank my fans for their continued support as I vigorously defend myself against the unfounded allegations contained in this complaint.”