Conclusion Meanings:
'Exonerated': or 'Within NYPD Guidelines' - the alleged conduct occurred but did not violate the NYPD's own rules, which often give officers significant discretion.
'Substantiated': The alleged conduct occurred and it violated the rules. The NYPD has discretion over what, if any, discipline is imposed.
'Unfounded': Evidence suggests that the event or alleged conduct did not occur.
'Unsubstantiated': or 'Unable to Determine' - CCRB has fully investigated but could not affirmatively conclude both that the conduct occurred and that it broke the rules.
Further details on conclusion definitions.
Named in 2 known lawsuits, $250,000 total settlements.
Sherman, Joshua vs P.O. Costarella, Thomas, et al.
Case # 519719/2019,
Supreme Court - Kings, January 13, 2020
Complaint
Description: On September 24, 2016, Plaintiff was assaulted by an unknown individual on a public street. NYPD Officer Thomas Costarella and Sergeant Michael Szczecinski responded to a 911 call reporting the assault; when they arrived at the scene, they advised Plaintiff to go to the hospital, but Plaintiff did not want to go. The officers then grabbed Plaintiff’s arm and slammed his head into the ground. The officers proceeded to question, frisk, search, and arrest Plaintiff, who was not resisting.
Plaintiff was taken to the 61st Precinct against his will, where he was placed in a holding cell. After being examined by EMS at the precinct, Plaintiff was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries, where he was hand...
Pitter, Phillip vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 516270/2016,
Supreme Court - Kings, September 23, 2016, ended May 3, 2021
$250,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On September 16h, 2015, at around 3:30pm, near the intersection of Batchelder St and Avenue V, P.O. Costarella, P.O. Rossignolo, Sgt. Kaiyuen and 10 unnamed NYPD officers tackled and violently brutalized Plaintiff Phillip Pitter before arresting him, causing severe injuries.The officers then transported him to the 61st Precinct where he was held for several hours, denied medical treatment, and accused of crimes that he did not commit.