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 8 known lawsuits, $370,000 total settlements.
Smith-Ruffin, Rayshaun vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 512272/2022,
Supreme Court - Kings, May 2, 2022
Moreira, Anthony vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 19CV01443,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, March 15, 2019, ended October 31, 2019
$5,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On or about March 12, 2016, plaintiff was riding as a passenger in a vehicle when NYPD officers stopped the vehicle and threw plaintiff onto the ground. One officer placed his knee and his entire body weight onto plaintiff. Plaintiff was then handcuffed and taken to a precinct. Officer Tony Cuoco falsely informed the District Attorney’s Office that plaintiff had been in possession of a weapon.
Stroman, Aaron vs Police Officer Cuoco, Tony, Shield No. 17359, et al.
Case # 500560/2019,
Supreme Court - Kings, February 5, 2019
Peebles, Lamont vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 501083/2019,
Supreme Court - Kings, January 18, 2019, ended May 9, 2023
$110,000 Settlement
Joseph, Jahshon vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 521402/2018,
Supreme Court - Kings, October 25, 2018, ended July 1, 2019
$45,000 Settlement
Smothers, Quandel vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 511939/2017,
Supreme Court - Kings, June 21, 2017, ended October 19, 2018
$175,000 Settlement
Augustin, Garvey vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 16CV05260,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, September 30, 2016, ended June 20, 2017
$20,000 Settlement
Complaint,
Amended Complaint,
Stipulation
Description: The plaintiff was rounding the corner of the street looking for a cab when an unmarked car pulled up next to him and 5 officers in plain clothes chased down and arrested him. They searched him and found nothing, but brought him to the nearby precinct anyway and searched him again. With nothing to charge the plaintiff with, the defendant officers charged him with a traffic violation for being on a roadway instead of sidewalk in violation of Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1156.A. The charge was later dismissed.
Exeter, Dirk vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 16CV03013,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, June 17, 2016, ended March 16, 2017
$15,000 Settlement
Complaint,
First Amended Complaint
Description: Plaintiff was driving his car when two women, including an undercover cop, waved him over and solicited money for sex. Plaintiff declined and drove away but was pulled over by unmarked vehicles blocks later. Defendant Officers then pulled him out of the car, searched him, and brought him to the 75th Precinct, where he was charged for soliciting a prostitute. All charges were later dismissed.
