Complaint #9804043,
September 10, 1998

Summary

On September 10, 1998 at approximately 2 PM, Mr. [redacted] was in his car with his brother, [redacted] and his brother's girlfriend, [redacted] en route to Florida for his annual vacation. On the corner of 136th Street and 12th Avenue, he was pulled over at a police checkpoint, where there were several RMP's and a marked van in the vicinity. Mr. [redacted] was asked for his license and registration, which he readily surrendered, to an officer he did not identify. An officer, who stood next to the car, inspecting the inside, saw a dealer license plate sitting on the floor of Mr. [redacted] recently - registered car. A Hispanic officer in uniform, identified as PO Vega, then told Mr. [redacted] to "get out of the car" in Spanish. Mr. [redacted] complied and was led to the rear of his car, a small 4x4 model. PO Vega asked Mr. [redacted] where he was going, to which he replied he was on his way to Florida. PO Vega then asked him if he had any drugs or weapons, to which he responded "no, you can search the car". PO Vega then yelled, "don't talk to me like that" and pushed Mr. [redacted] against his car by his neck. PO Vega then pulled Mr. [redacted] legs apart and proceeded to frisk him. Then, from behind, PO Vega grabbed Mr. [redacted] testicles with a great deal of force. During this process, an officer later identified as PO Luparello attempted to force his finger into Mr. [redacted] rectal area. Mr. [redacted] stated that was very scared and therefore maintained a calm demeanor although he was in pain.
Mr. [redacted] brother, [redacted] was then told to get out of the car, and was searched and his testicles also groped with force by PO Kane "who seemed to be about to punch him [redacted]
The officers then finished checking the dealer license plates and, finding that they were legal, returned them to Mr. [redacted] The unidentified SGT on the scene then asked Mr. [redacted] to sign a paper stating that his plates had been returned to him.
Mr. [redacted] was then told to leave the scene, but he remained where... Read report for details.