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 3 known lawsuits, $64,600 total settlements.
Lewis, Richard vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 20CV02415,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, July 14, 2020, ended March 15, 2022
$15,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On March 3, 2019, Mr. Lewis was at a friend’s event at 1233 Flatbush Avenue – Mr. Lewis’s friend had rented out the venue for a child’s birthday party. Lieutenant Epstein and Officer Jean-Pierre entered at around 8:00 pm that evening and instructed the music be turned off and the party be shut down, alleging (incorrectly) that alcohol was being served. As Mr. Lewis was assisting his friend in cleaning the venue, the officers approached him and asked him if he worked there – he told them that he did not and was just attending a party and was helping his friend clean. An officer called and spoke to the owner of the venue on speakerphone and was informed that Mr. Lewis did not work there – he was arrested anyway, ...
Blackman, Marie vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 509247/2020,
Supreme Court - Kings, June 5, 2020, ended November 17, 2020
$30,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On March 3, 2019, Defendant Lieutenant Epstein arrested a patron of Plaintiff Marie Blackman's restaurant on a false claim that the restaurant was selling alcohol without a license. Plaintiff Mrs. Blackman informed Defendant Lieutenant Epstein that the patron did not work for her, and charges against the patron were eventually dismissed. However, a week later, Defendant Lieutenant Epstein again showed up at Mrs. Blackman's restaurant. He claimed that because of the arrest the previous week, he had to search the restaurant. Defendant Lieutenant Epstein then found a bottle of non-alcoholic Curacao syrup and arrested Mrs. Blackman on a false claim of illegally possessing alcoholic beverages. Mrs. Blackman was then...
Johnson, Paul vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV01601,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, March 17, 2014, ended January 21, 2015
$19,600 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On or about February 23, 2013, Plaintiff was on his way from his home to buy some food for his daughter when he was stopped by two non-uniformed officers, Sgt Baronette and Officer Urena. The two officers had no lawful reason to stop Plaintiff. They proceeded to slam him into a gate and search his pockets. Plaintiff thought he was being robbed and protested. Officer Urena made clear that they were police officers, and Plaintiff asked for identification. Officer Urena flashed her badge from around her neck. Plaintiff repeated his request for identification, and Sgt. Baronette stated, "My fucking ID will be on your arrest report." The two officers did not arrest Plaintiff. Plaintiff called 911 and Sgt. Garcia and...