MARTINSBURG, W.Va. -- An Eastern Panhandle sheriff accused of beating a bank robbery suspect has officially denied the allegations made against him in a related civil lawsuit.

Jefferson County Sheriff Robert Shirley pleaded not guilty recently to federal criminal charges stemming from the incident in December 2010.

He's accused of violating the civil rights of suspect Mark Daniel Haines and falsifying records during an investigation of the incident.

Shirley was released after an initial appearance in U.S. District Court.

Shirley's response to the civil lawsuit says he did nothing wrong and should be immune from prosecution under state law.

Shirley also says any injuries that Haines suffered were caused by his own misconduct.

The 60-year-old sheriff wants Judge John Preston Bailey to dismiss the case and award him legal fees.