David M. Leonardi

Lieutenant Commander Detective at Detective Bureau Manhattan South Homicide Squad since June 2021, active
Also served at 113th Precinct Detective Squad, 113th Precinct, Gang Squad Queens, 79th Precinct
Service started July 2002, made $220,000 last year, Tax #930557
White Male, 44

Substantiated Allegations:
Abuse of Authority: Frisk (2)
Abuse of Authority: Other
Abuse of Authority: Property damaged
Abuse of Authority: Refusal to process civilian complaint
Abuse of Authority: Search (of person)
Abuse of Authority: Stop (2)
Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched (3)

Discipline Cases:

Case: 2015-14418
Closed: 3/10/2016
Case: 2015-13411
Closed: 8/11/2015
Case: 2015-13901
Closed: 8/10/2015
Case: 2015-13225
Closed: 7/14/2015

View Details

Lawsuit settlements:
$70,000   Dugan, Robert vs P.O. Cornejo, Eduardo, et al., 2018 KCSC KCSC 523284/2017
$9,000   Bryant, Lydia vs City of New York, et al., 2015 EDNY EDNY 15CV04625
$14,500   Goodwin, Selena vs City of New York, et al., 2015 EDNY EDNY 15CV04626
$40,000   Crushon, Jason vs City of New York, et al., 2015 EDNY EDNY 15CV02042
$17,500   Lyons, Bobby vs City of New York, et al., 2015 KCSC KCSC 000710/2015
$85,000   Underwood, Darnell, et al. vs City of New York, et al., 2015 EDNY EDNY 14CV07531
$75,000   Middleton, Ronald, et al. vs City of New York, et al., 2014 EDNY EDNY 14CV07389
$55,000   Young, Jason, et al. vs City of New York, et al., 2014 EDNY EDNY 14CV02563
View Details

Complaints

23 Complaints
51 Allegations
11 Substantiated
3 Substantiated (Command Discipline)
8 Substantiated (Charges)
2 Alleged Victim Unavailable
1 Alleged Victim Uncooperative
1 Complainant Unavailable
1 Complainant Uncooperative
10 Exonerated
5 Unfounded
20 Unsubstantiated

Complaint #201409828, September 2014
Allegation: Force: Nonlethal restraining device
Complainant: Black Male, 38
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched
Complainant: Black Male, 38
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
NYPD Conclusion: APU Guilty
APU Plea Penalty: Forfeit vacation 18 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Resolved by plea, January 2017
Penalty: Forfeit vacation 18 days
Documents: Complaint Closing Report
additional details

Complaint #201408861, August 2014
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched
Complainant: Black Male, 25
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
NYPD Conclusion: APU Guilty
APU Plea Penalty: Forfeit vacation 18 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Resolved by plea, January 2017
Penalty: Forfeit vacation 18 days
Documents: Complaint Closing Report
additional details

Complaint #201500767, July 2014
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Black Female, 40
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Documents: Complaint Closing Report
additional details

Complaint #201403899, April 2014
Allegation: Force: Nonlethal restraining device
Complainant: Black Male, 26
CCRB Conclusion: Complainant Unavailable
additional details

Complaint #201403108, April 2014
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Threat of force (verbal or physical)
Complainant: Black Male, 62
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Refusal to provide name/shield number
Complainant: Black Male, 62
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Stop
Complainant: Black Male, 62
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Other
Complainant: Black Male, 62
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
NYPD Conclusion: APU Guilty
APU Plea Penalty: Forfeit vacation 18 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Resolved by plea, January 2017
Penalty: Forfeit vacation 18 days
additional details

Complaint #201402735, March 2014
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Black Male, 22
CCRB Conclusion: Unfounded
Allegation: Force: Gun Pointed
Complainant: Black Male, 44
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
additional details

Complaint #201401385, February 2014
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Black Male, 48
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Stop
Complainant: Black Male, 48
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Documents: Complaint Closing Report
additional details

Complaint #201401016, January 2014
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched
Complainant: Black Male, 31
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
NYPD Conclusion: APU Guilty
APU Plea Penalty: Forfeit vacation 18 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Resolved by plea, January 2017
Penalty: Forfeit vacation 18 days
additional details

Complaint #201311449, December 2013
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched
Complainant: Black Male, 60
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Stop
Complainant: Black Male, 60
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Search (of person)
Complainant: Black Male, 60
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
additional details

Complaint #201310961, November 2013
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Frisk
Complainant: Black Male, 30
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Command Discipline)
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Refusal to process civilian complaint
Complainant: Black Male, 30
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Command Discipline)
Penalty: Command Discipline - A
additional details

Complaint #201310547, November 2013
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Black Male, 40
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched
Complainant: Black Male, 40
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Threat of force (verbal or physical)
Complainant: Black Male, 40
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Black Male, 40
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Offensive Language: Race
Complainant: Black Male, 40
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
additional details

Complaint #201310683, November 2013
Allegation: Force: Nonlethal restraining device
Complainant: Black Male, 59
CCRB Conclusion: Alleged Victim Unavailable
additional details

Complaint #201309610, October 2013
Allegation: Force: Chokehold
Complainant: Black Male, 34
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Search (of person)
Complainant: Black Male, 34
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
additional details

Complaint #201308582, September 2013
Allegation: Force: Nonlethal restraining device
Complainant: Black Male, 35
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Black Male, 35
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Black Male, 28
CCRB Conclusion: Alleged Victim Unavailable
additional details

Complaint #201307739, August 2013
Allegation: Force: Gun Pointed
Complainant: Black Male, 36
CCRB Conclusion: Unfounded
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Refusal to obtain medical treatment
Complainant: Black Male, 36
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Vehicle search
Complainant: White Female, 33
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
additional details

Complaint #201304578, May 2013
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched
Complainant: Black Male, 33
CCRB Conclusion: Complainant Uncooperative
additional details

Complaint #201306730, February 2013
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Search (of person)
Complainant: Black Male, 26
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched
Complainant: Black Male, 26
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched
Complainant: Black Male, 26
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
additional details

Complaint #201300789, January 2013
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Search (of person)
Complainant: Black Male, 34
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Vehicle stop
Complainant: Black Male, 34
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
additional details

Complaint #201107817, June 2011
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Search (of person)
Complainant: Male
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Stop
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Frisk
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
Penalty: Instructions
additional details

Complaint #200915231, September 2009
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Frisk
Complainant: Black Male, 26
CCRB Conclusion: Alleged Victim Uncooperative
additional details

Complaint #200909723, June 2009
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Male, 25
CCRB Conclusion: Unfounded
Allegation: Force: Handcuffs too tight
Complainant: Male, 25
CCRB Conclusion: Unfounded
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Male, 25
CCRB Conclusion: Unfounded
additional details

Complaint #200410123, October 2004
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Threat of arrest
Complainant: Black Male, 32
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Vehicle stop
Complainant: Black Male, 32
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Property damaged
Complainant: Black Male, 32
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Command Discipline)
Penalty: Command Discipline - A
additional details

Complaint #200400557, January 2004
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Question and/or stop
Complainant: Black Male, 35
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Threat of arrest
Complainant: Black Male, 35
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
additional details

Complaint #201409828, September 2014
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Force: Nonlethal restraining device Black Male, 38 Exonerated
Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched Black Male, 38 Substantiated (Charges)
NYPD Conclusion: APU Guilty
APU Plea Penalty: Forfeit vacation 18 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Resolved by plea, January 2017
Penalty: Forfeit vacation 18 days
Documents: Complaint Closing Report
additional details
Complaint #201408861, August 2014
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched Black Male, 25 Substantiated (Charges)
NYPD Conclusion: APU Guilty
APU Plea Penalty: Forfeit vacation 18 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Resolved by plea, January 2017
Penalty: Forfeit vacation 18 days
Documents: Complaint Closing Report
additional details
Complaint #201500767, July 2014
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Discourtesy: Word Black Female, 40 Unsubstantiated
Documents: Complaint Closing Report
additional details
Complaint #201403899, April 2014
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Force: Nonlethal restraining device Black Male, 26 Complainant Unavailable
additional details
Complaint #201403108, April 2014
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse of Authority: Threat of force (verbal or physical) Black Male, 62 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Refusal to provide name/shield number Black Male, 62 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Stop Black Male, 62 Substantiated (Charges)
Abuse of Authority: Other Black Male, 62 Substantiated (Charges)
NYPD Conclusion: APU Guilty
APU Plea Penalty: Forfeit vacation 18 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Resolved by plea, January 2017
Penalty: Forfeit vacation 18 days
additional details
Complaint #201402735, March 2014
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Force: Physical force Black Male, 22 Unfounded
Force: Gun Pointed Black Male, 44 Exonerated
additional details
Complaint #201401385, February 2014
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Discourtesy: Word Black Male, 48 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Stop Black Male, 48 Unsubstantiated
Documents: Complaint Closing Report
additional details
Complaint #201401016, January 2014
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched Black Male, 31 Substantiated (Charges)
NYPD Conclusion: APU Guilty
APU Plea Penalty: Forfeit vacation 18 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Resolved by plea, January 2017
Penalty: Forfeit vacation 18 days
additional details
Complaint #201311449, December 2013
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched Black Male, 60 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Stop Black Male, 60 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Search (of person) Black Male, 60 Unsubstantiated
additional details
Complaint #201310961, November 2013
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse of Authority: Frisk Black Male, 30 Substantiated (Command Discipline)
Abuse of Authority: Refusal to process civilian complaint Black Male, 30 Substantiated (Command Discipline)
Penalty: Command Discipline - A
additional details
Complaint #201310547, November 2013
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Force: Physical force Black Male, 40 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched Black Male, 40 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Threat of force (verbal or physical) Black Male, 40 Unsubstantiated
Discourtesy: Word Black Male, 40 Unsubstantiated
Offensive Language: Race Black Male, 40 Unsubstantiated
additional details
Complaint #201310683, November 2013
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Force: Nonlethal restraining device Black Male, 59 Alleged Victim Unavailable
additional details
Complaint #201309610, October 2013
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Force: Chokehold Black Male, 34 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Search (of person) Black Male, 34 Unsubstantiated
additional details
Complaint #201308582, September 2013
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Force: Nonlethal restraining device Black Male, 35 Exonerated
Discourtesy: Word Black Male, 35 Unsubstantiated
Force: Physical force Black Male, 28 Alleged Victim Unavailable
additional details
Complaint #201307739, August 2013
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Force: Gun Pointed Black Male, 36 Unfounded
Abuse of Authority: Refusal to obtain medical treatment Black Male, 36 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Vehicle search White Female, 33 Exonerated
additional details
Complaint #201304578, May 2013
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched Black Male, 33 Complainant Uncooperative
additional details
Complaint #201306730, February 2013
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse of Authority: Search (of person) Black Male, 26 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched Black Male, 26 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched Black Male, 26 Exonerated
additional details
Complaint #201300789, January 2013
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse of Authority: Search (of person) Black Male, 34 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Vehicle stop Black Male, 34 Exonerated
additional details
Complaint #201107817, June 2011
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse of Authority: Search (of person) Male Substantiated (Charges)
Abuse of Authority: Stop Substantiated (Charges)
Abuse of Authority: Frisk Substantiated (Charges)
Penalty: Instructions
additional details
Complaint #200915231, September 2009
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse of Authority: Frisk Black Male, 26 Alleged Victim Uncooperative
additional details
Complaint #200909723, June 2009
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Discourtesy: Word Male, 25 Unfounded
Force: Handcuffs too tight Male, 25 Unfounded
Force: Physical force Male, 25 Unfounded
additional details
Complaint #200410123, October 2004
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse of Authority: Threat of arrest Black Male, 32 Exonerated
Abuse of Authority: Vehicle stop Black Male, 32 Exonerated
Abuse of Authority: Property damaged Black Male, 32 Substantiated (Command Discipline)
Penalty: Command Discipline - A
additional details
Complaint #200400557, January 2004
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse of Authority: Question and/or stop Black Male, 35 Exonerated
Abuse of Authority: Threat of arrest Black Male, 35 Exonerated
additional details

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.


Discipline

Case: 2015-14418
Closed: 3/10/2016
Case Details:
  1. Guilty: While on-duty, authorized a strip search of a person known to the Department without sufficient legal authority.
Penalty: Vacation days (18 days)

Case: 2015-13411
Closed: 8/11/2015
Case Details:
  1. Guilty: While on-duty, abused his authority in that he authorized a strip search of a person known to the Department without sufficient legal authority
Penalty: Vacation days (18 days)

Case: 2015-13901
Closed: 8/10/2015
Case Details:
  1. Guilty: While on-duty, authorized the stop of a person known to the Department without sufficient legal authority
  2. Guilty: While on-duty, authorized the issuance of a summons to a person known to the Department without sufficient legal authority
Penalty: Vacation days (18 days)

Case: 2015-13225
Closed: 7/14/2015
Case Details:
  1. Guilty: Abused his authority in that he authorized a strip search of a person known to the Department without sufficient legal authority
Penalty: Vacation days (18 days)


Lawsuits

Named in 10 known lawsuits, $366,000 total settlements.

Dugan, Robert vs P.O. Cornejo, Eduardo, et al.
Case # 523284/2017, Supreme Court - Kings, March 8, 2018, ended December 20, 2018
$70,000 Settlement

Robinson, David vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 16CV00546, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, February 10, 2016, ended September 14, 2018
Zero Disposition
Complaint
Description: Plaintiff was struck by an NYPD vehicle in pursuit of him. Plaintiff was arrested by defendant officers, taken to the 79th Precinct, then the hospital, and charged with 221.20; 221.15; 221.40; 221.10(1), and 221.05. Defendant Officers failed to write an accident report.

Mealy, Aaron vs Ho, Andrew, et al.
Case # 007640/2015, Supreme Court - Kings, December 21, 2015

Bryant, Lydia vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV04625, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, October 16, 2015, ended April 22, 2016
$9,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: Defendant Officers broke down the door of an apartment where Plaintiff was hanging out, forcefully knocked plaintiff on the floor, handcuffed her, and took her to the 79th Precinct. Officers made false allegation about crimes plaintiff committed which the DA Declined to Prosecute.

Goodwin, Selena vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV04626, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, October 16, 2015, ended April 26, 2016
$14,500 Settlement
Complaint
Description: Defendant Officers broke down the door of an apartment where Plaintiff was hanging out, slammed plaintiff against a wall, handcuffed her, and took her to the 79th Precinct. Officers made false allegation about crimes plaintiff committed which the DA Declined to Prosecute.

Crushon, Jason vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV02042, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, April 28, 2015, ended August 24, 2016
$40,000 Settlement
Complaint, Amended Complaint
Description: Defendant Officers approached Plaintiff, assaulted him- resulting in loss of a tooth and scrapes and bruising all over body, took him to the 88th precinct, then the hospital. He was returned to central booking, held for four days, and released without being charged with a crime.

Lyons, Bobby vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 000710/2015, Supreme Court - Kings, January 21, 2015, ended September 19, 2017
$17,500 Settlement

Underwood, Darnell, et al. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV07531, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, January 6, 2015, ended July 30, 2018
$85,000 Settlement
Complaint, Amended Complaint
Description: On August 5, 2015, the Plaintiff Darnell Underwood was walking on the sidewalk when a defendant police officer called out to him “David.” Darnell ignored the call and kept walking. A defendant officer came up behind him, grabbed him, and yelled “don’t fucking move!” Defendant officers, including Delacruz, Gonzalez, and Nowak beat Darnell with a nightstick and struck him in the head, ribs, knee, and back. Plaintiff Richard Underwood came down the street when he heard Darnell was being beaten and witnessed Delacruz, Gonazales, Nowak and Segerdahl throwing Darnell around and hitting him with the nightstick and heard Darnell scream “Help me!” Defendant officers tried to take Richard’s smartphone and several police ...

Middleton, Ronald, et al. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV07389, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, December 31, 2014, ended August 7, 2015
$75,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On April 16th, 2013, Plaintiffs were at a bar socializing. Suddenly, NYPD Police Officers including Sergeant David Leonardi, Police Officer Erin Filpo and others rushed the location, forcibly grabbed and handcuffed the plaintiffs, and arrested them for no reason. The officers then made false statements to the DA's office, causing Plaintiffs to be charged with possession offenses.

Young, Jason, et al. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV02563, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, May 8, 2014, ended December 19, 2014
$55,000 Settlement
Complaint, Stipulation
Description: On February 12, 2013, Plaintiff 1 and 2 were outside of their residences when NYPD officers Michael Dunn, Andrew Ho, David Leonardi, Jamaal Miller, and John Doe 1-3 (the name John Doe being fictitious, as the true name was unknown at the time the complaint was filed) approached them without provocation and ordered them to stand against a nearby wall. Plaintiff 1 objected to the order and asked to know why he and his friends were being detained, then reached for his telephone to attempt to record the officers’ conduct. The officers knocked Plaintiff 1’s phone out of his hand and forced him to the ground. Plaintiff 1 did not attempt to resist arrest. Yet, officers punched Plaintiff 1 multiple times. Officers appl...