By: Anna Ballweber
FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A woman who spent months behind bars after an AI system mistook her for a bank fraud suspect is weighing civil rights claims against Fargo authorities.
Angela Lipps, a Tennessee grandmother, was arrested in July of 2025 after Fargo Police used AI facial recognition technology allegedly linking her to a bank fraud scheme. Local attorneys proved in December she was not the suspect.
No official lawsuit has been filed yet, but Lipps has hired a legal team to pursue potential civil rights claims.
Legal team focuses on accountability
Eric Rice, one of two lawyers hired by Lipps, said the case raises broader concerns about AI use in law enforcement. The other lawyer is Dane DeKrey.
“This is the type of situation that should be scary to all of us,” Rice said.
Rice confirmed the legal team is looking to resolve two things: clearing Lipps’ name and addressing her trauma this incident caused.
“The cloud of suspicion has not been fully lifted from her. She’s troubled, she’s suffered, she’s received emotional distress,” Rice said.
He said the case goes beyond a simple dismissal of charges: “Our primary focus is on accountability and understanding where things fell short and making sure it doesn’t happen again.”
The legal team also plans to seek potential compensation for the trauma caused.
“A grave harm did occur. It is extremely traumatic to grab someone without any understanding of why they’re being detained, dragged across the country to an unfamiliar place, and standing extremely serious charges without knowing what’s going to happen,” he explained.
Case in early stages
According to Rice, Lipps’ case is in the early investigation stage. The two lawyers are still waiting on files from the state’s attorney’s office for the plans to move forward.
Rice was unable to give a timeline on exactly when a lawsuit might be filed.
