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 6 known lawsuits, $230,000 total settlements.
Kassim, Habeeb vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 18CV05614,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, October 19, 2018, ended February 14, 2020
$45,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On July 27, 2017 at approximately 5pm, Mr. Kassim purchased a water bottle at a market to clean a cut on his forehead. As he left the market, he was seized by a number of NYPD officers, including Cpt. Ceparano, Houston, Calemine, and Doe. They ordered him to remain in their custody despite his request to leave and made him await an ambulance. At the hospital, while waiting to see a doctor, Cpt. Ceparano, Houston, and Calemine began harassing him and took his photo without his consent. After leaving the hospital with his sister to go home, an NYPD vehicle blocked their exit by parking behind her car. Houston and Calemine arrested Mr. Kassim, under the orders of Cpt. Ceparano and Sgt. Paulik. They claimed he was ...
Johnson, William vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV01236,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, March 12, 2015, ended December 18, 2015
$20,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On March 10, 2012, the Plaintiff was driving in Staten Island and was stopped by Defendants Ceparano and Ochoa. The Plaintiff was operating a used 2004 Lexus which he lawfully purchased in Hillside, New Jersey less than two weeks earlier. At the time of the purchase, the dealer issued the Plaintiff a 20-day Non-Resident Temporary Registration and Marker after the Plaintiff provided proof that he had full insurance coverage and a valid driver's license. The Non-Resident Temporary Registration and Marker was valid until March 18, 2012 and it was affixed to the rear windshield of the 2004 Lexus. The Defendants arrested the Plaintiff despite having no probable cause, and despite the Plaintiff's documents being in o...
Marcus, Michael vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 13CV04655,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, September 11, 2013, ended February 4, 2018
$90,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On August 11, 2011, Michael Marcus, an African American man, was inside of the Jersey Street Laundromat, when NYPD officers, including Justin Feldman, who pushed plaintiff's face into a door, handcuffed him, and falsely arrested him. Feldman provided false evidence for prosecuting Marcus by swearing to false allegations that Marcus interfered with the officer's performance of his duties by moving in front of him, raising his arms to block him, and stating that the officer could not be there without a warrant. On May 21, 2012, all charges against Marcus were dismissed. Sergeant Bruce Ceperano and John and Jane Does 1-10 were also present for and participated in Marcus' arrest and prosecution.
Duncan v. City of New York et al
Case # 11CV03901,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY
Fourth Amended Complaint
Duncan et al v. City of New York et al
Case # 12CV01565,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY
12-cv-01565-PKC-JO.pdf
Gray v. City of New York et al
Case # 13CV05515,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY
$75,000 Settlement