Matthew E. Lewis

Badge #4736, White Male, 36
Sergeant at Narcotics Borough Queens South since October 2017
Also served in: 101st Precinct, 113th Precinct, 100th Precinct, 103rd Precinct
Service started January 2006, made $142,000 last year, active

Substantiated Allegations:
Force: Physical force
Abuse Of Authority: Frisk
Abuse Of Authority: Search (of person)
Abuse Of Authority: Threat of force (verbal or physical)
Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle search
Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle stop
Discourtesy: Word


Lawsuit settlements:
$15,000   Mccreath v. City Of New York, et al., 2013 QCSC QCSC 703809/2013
$35,000   Varlack, Tynearia vs City of New York, et al., 2013 EDNY EDNY 13CV00116
$5,000   Cook, Eddie vs P.O. Lewis, Matthew, et al., 2013 EDNY EDNY 13CV05294
$35,000   Callender, Shomari vs City of New York, et al., 2016 EDNY EDNY 16CV02936
$100,000   Pinnock, Loel vs Lewis, Matthew, et al., 2016 EDNY EDNY 16CV04502
View Details

Complaints

60 Allegations
7 Substantiated
25 Complaints
7 Substantiated (Charges)
8 Complainant Uncooperative
1 Complaint Withdrawn
10 Exonerated
4 Unfounded
30 Unsubstantiated

January 2020 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Force: Nonlethal restraining device
CCRB Conclusion: Complaint Withdrawn

April 2019 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Refusal to show search warrant
Complainant: Hispanic Female, 56
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated

February 2017 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Black Male, 29
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated

August 2016 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Black Male, 39
CCRB Conclusion: Unfounded

June 2016 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle search
Complainant: Black Male, 35
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated

February 2016 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Seizure of property
Complainant: Black Male, 25
CCRB Conclusion: Complainant Uncooperative
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle stop
Complainant: Black Male, 25
CCRB Conclusion: Complainant Uncooperative

August 2015 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Question
Complainant: Black Male, 23
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle search
Complainant: Black Male, 23
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Refusal to provide name/shield number
Complainant: Black Male, 23
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle stop
Complainant: Black Male, 23
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated

March 2015 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Black Male, 25
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated

January 2015 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle stop
Complainant: Male, 40
CCRB Conclusion: Complainant Uncooperative

March 2014 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Black Male, 30
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Premises entered and/or searched
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Force: Gun pointed
Complainant: Black Male, 30
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Force: Chokehold
Complainant: Black Male, 30
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Black Male, 30
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Force: Other
Complainant: Black Male, 30
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Force: Gun as club
Complainant: Black Male, 30
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Premises entered and/or searched
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated

February 2014 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Male, 39
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated

February 2014 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Black Male, 19
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated

February 2014 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Search (of person)
Complainant: Black Male, 23
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Frisk
Complainant: Black Male, 23
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle search
Complainant: Black Male, 23
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle stop
Complainant: Black Male, 23
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated

February 2014 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Black Male, 17
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
CCRB Recommended Penalty: Forfeit vacation 15 days
APU Trial Penalty: Forfeit vacation 15 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Guilty after trial
NYPD Conclusion: APU Guilty, penalty: Forfeit vacation 15 days
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Threat of force (verbal or physical)
Complainant: Black Male, 17
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
CCRB Recommended Penalty: Forfeit vacation 15 days
APU Trial Penalty: Forfeit vacation 15 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Guilty after trial
NYPD Conclusion: APU Not guilty, penalty: No penalty
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Black Male, 25
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
CCRB Recommended Penalty: Forfeit vacation 15 days
APU Trial Penalty: Forfeit vacation 15 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Guilty after trial
NYPD Conclusion: APU Not guilty, penalty: No penalty

October 2013 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Stop
Complainant: Black Male, 21
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Black Male, 21
CCRB Conclusion: Unfounded
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Black Male, 21
CCRB Conclusion: Unfounded
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Black Male, 21
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated

June 2013 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Premises entered and/or searched
CCRB Conclusion: Complainant Uncooperative
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Male
CCRB Conclusion: Complainant Uncooperative
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Male
CCRB Conclusion: Complainant Uncooperative
Allegation: Force: Chokehold
Complainant: Male
CCRB Conclusion: Complainant Uncooperative

June 2013 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Black Male, 28
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Force: Gun pointed
Complainant: Black Male, 28
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Black Male, 28
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated

March 2012 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle search
Complainant: Black Male, 28
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
CCRB Recommended Penalty: Forfeit vacation 10 days
APU Trial Penalty: Forfeit vacation 8 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Guilty after trial
NYPD Conclusion: APU Guilty, penalty: Forfeit vacation 4 days
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Search (of person)
Complainant: Black Male, 28
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
CCRB Recommended Penalty: Forfeit vacation 10 days
APU Trial Penalty: Forfeit vacation 8 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Guilty after trial
NYPD Conclusion: APU Guilty, penalty: Forfeit vacation 4 days
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle stop
Complainant: Black Male, 28
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
CCRB Recommended Penalty: Forfeit vacation 10 days
APU Trial Penalty: Forfeit vacation 8 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Guilty after trial
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Refusal to provide name/shield number
Complainant: Black Male, 28
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Black Male, 28
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Frisk
Complainant: Black Male, 28
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
CCRB Recommended Penalty: Forfeit vacation 10 days
APU Trial Penalty: Forfeit vacation 8 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Guilty after trial
NYPD Conclusion: APU Not guilty, penalty: No penalty

October 2011 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Offensive Language: Gender
Complainant: Black Female, 22
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Black Female, 22
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Black Female, 22
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated

May 2011 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Black Male, 24
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle stop
Complainant: Black Male, 24
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated

January 2011 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Black Male, 56
CCRB Conclusion: Unfounded
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Black Male, 56
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated

December 2010 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Black Male, 49
CCRB Conclusion: Complainant Uncooperative

July 2007 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Question
Complainant: Hispanic Male, 32
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Threat of arrest
Complainant: Hispanic Male, 32
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated

March 2007 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Black Female, 35
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated

October 2006 - Complaint Details
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Question and/or stop
Complainant: Black Male, 23
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Abuse Of Authority: Other
Complainant: Black Male, 23
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated

January 2020 - Complaint Details
Allegation CCRB Conclusion
Force: Nonlethal restraining device Complaint Withdrawn
April 2019 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse Of Authority: Refusal to show search warrant Hispanic Female, 56 Unsubstantiated
February 2017 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Discourtesy: Word Black Male, 29 Unsubstantiated
August 2016 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Force: Physical force Black Male, 39 Unfounded
June 2016 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle search Black Male, 35 Exonerated
February 2016 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse Of Authority: Seizure of property Black Male, 25 Complainant Uncooperative
Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle stop Black Male, 25 Complainant Uncooperative
August 2015 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse Of Authority: Question Black Male, 23 Exonerated
Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle search Black Male, 23 Exonerated
Abuse Of Authority: Refusal to provide name/shield number Black Male, 23 Unsubstantiated
Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle stop Black Male, 23 Unsubstantiated
March 2015 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Discourtesy: Word Black Male, 25 Unsubstantiated
January 2015 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle stop Male, 40 Complainant Uncooperative
March 2014 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Force: Physical force Black Male, 30 Unsubstantiated
Abuse Of Authority: Premises entered and/or searched Exonerated
Force: Gun pointed Black Male, 30 Unsubstantiated
Force: Chokehold Black Male, 30 Unsubstantiated
Discourtesy: Word Black Male, 30 Unsubstantiated
Force: Other Black Male, 30 Unsubstantiated
Force: Gun as club Black Male, 30 Unsubstantiated
Abuse Of Authority: Premises entered and/or searched Unsubstantiated
February 2014 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Discourtesy: Word Male, 39 Unsubstantiated
February 2014 - Complaint Details
CCRB Summary
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Force: Physical force Black Male, 19 Unsubstantiated
February 2014 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse Of Authority: Search (of person) Black Male, 23 Unsubstantiated
Abuse Of Authority: Frisk Black Male, 23 Unsubstantiated
Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle search Black Male, 23 Unsubstantiated
Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle stop Black Male, 23 Unsubstantiated
February 2014 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Force: Physical force Black Male, 17 Substantiated (Charges)
CCRB Recommended Penalty: Forfeit vacation 15 days
APU Trial Commissioner Penalty: Forfeit vacation 15 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Guilty after trial
NYPD Conclusion: APU Guilty, penalty: Forfeit vacation 15 days
Abuse Of Authority: Threat of force (verbal or physical) Black Male, 17 Substantiated (Charges)
CCRB Recommended Penalty: Forfeit vacation 15 days
APU Trial Commissioner Penalty: Forfeit vacation 15 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Guilty after trial
NYPD Conclusion: APU Not guilty, penalty: No penalty
Discourtesy: Word Black Male, 25 Substantiated (Charges)
CCRB Recommended Penalty: Forfeit vacation 15 days
APU Trial Commissioner Penalty: Forfeit vacation 15 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Guilty after trial
NYPD Conclusion: APU Not guilty, penalty: No penalty
October 2013 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse Of Authority: Stop Black Male, 21 Unsubstantiated
Discourtesy: Word Black Male, 21 Unfounded
Force: Physical force Black Male, 21 Unfounded
Force: Physical force Black Male, 21 Unsubstantiated
June 2013 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse Of Authority: Premises entered and/or searched Complainant Uncooperative
Discourtesy: Word Male Complainant Uncooperative
Force: Physical force Male Complainant Uncooperative
Force: Chokehold Male Complainant Uncooperative
June 2013 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Force: Physical force Black Male, 28 Unsubstantiated
Force: Gun pointed Black Male, 28 Exonerated
Discourtesy: Word Black Male, 28 Unsubstantiated
March 2012 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle search Black Male, 28 Substantiated (Charges)
CCRB Recommended Penalty: Forfeit vacation 10 days
APU Trial Commissioner Penalty: Forfeit vacation 8 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Guilty after trial
NYPD Conclusion: APU Guilty, penalty: Forfeit vacation 4 days
Abuse Of Authority: Search (of person) Black Male, 28 Substantiated (Charges)
CCRB Recommended Penalty: Forfeit vacation 10 days
APU Trial Commissioner Penalty: Forfeit vacation 8 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Guilty after trial
NYPD Conclusion: APU Guilty, penalty: Forfeit vacation 4 days
Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle stop Black Male, 28 Substantiated (Charges)
CCRB Recommended Penalty: Forfeit vacation 10 days
APU Trial Commissioner Penalty: Forfeit vacation 8 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Guilty after trial
Abuse Of Authority: Refusal to provide name/shield number Black Male, 28 Unsubstantiated
Discourtesy: Word Black Male, 28 Unsubstantiated
Abuse Of Authority: Frisk Black Male, 28 Substantiated (Charges)
CCRB Recommended Penalty: Forfeit vacation 10 days
APU Trial Commissioner Penalty: Forfeit vacation 8 days
APU Case Status: Closed: Guilty after trial
NYPD Conclusion: APU Not guilty, penalty: No penalty
October 2011 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Offensive Language: Gender Black Female, 22 Unsubstantiated
Discourtesy: Word Black Female, 22 Unsubstantiated
Force: Physical force Black Female, 22 Unsubstantiated
May 2011 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Discourtesy: Word Black Male, 24 Unsubstantiated
Abuse Of Authority: Vehicle stop Black Male, 24 Unsubstantiated
January 2011 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Discourtesy: Word Black Male, 56 Unfounded
Force: Physical force Black Male, 56 Exonerated
December 2010 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Discourtesy: Word Black Male, 49 Complainant Uncooperative
July 2007 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse Of Authority: Question Hispanic Male, 32 Exonerated
Abuse Of Authority: Threat of arrest Hispanic Male, 32 Exonerated
March 2007 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Force: Physical force Black Female, 35 Exonerated
October 2006 - Complaint Details
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse Of Authority: Question and/or stop Black Male, 23 Exonerated
Abuse Of Authority: Other Black Male, 23 Unsubstantiated

Conclusion Meanings:

'Exonerated': 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': The 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: 2014-12673
Closed: 11/20/2014
Case Details:
  1. Guilty: On duty, wrongfully used force in that he struck a person known to the Department without police necessity.
Penalty: Vacation days (15 days)

Case: 2013-10189
Document
Opened: 8/5/2013
Closed: 1/13/2015
Case Details:
  1. Guilty: Searched a vehicle driven by an individual known to the Department without sufficient legal authority
  2. Not Guilty: Abused his authority as a member of the New York City Police Department in that he frisked an individual known to the Department without sufficient legal authority
  3. Guilty: Abused his authority as a member of the New York City Police Department in that he searched an individual known to the Department without sufficient legal authority
Penalty: Forfeiture of four (4) vacation days


Lawsuits

Named in 7 known lawsuits, $190,000 total settlements.

Mccreath v. City Of New York, et al.
Case # 703809/2013, Supreme Court - Queens, 2013
$15,000 Settlement

Varlack, Tynearia vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 13CV00116, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, January 14, 2013, ended September 29, 2014
$35,000 Settlement

Cook, Eddie vs P.O. Lewis, Matthew, et al.
Case # 13CV05294, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, October 4, 2013, ended May 15, 2014
$5,000 Settlement

Shannon, Joseph E. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 707880/2014, Supreme Court - Queens, November 12, 2014

John v. Lewis et al
Case # 15CV05346, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, 2015
Pending
Complaint
Description: Defendant Officer Lewis stopped Plaintiff on the street, searched him, arrested him, and charged him with 170.20. Plaintiff was not convicted.

Callender, Shomari vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 16CV02936, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, June 13, 2016, ended March 7, 2017
$35,000 Settlement
Complaint, First Amended Complaint
Description: Defendant Officers pulled over Plaintiff's car for allegedly failing to properly signal and asked him for his license and registration. Since Plaintiff questioned the officers since he did not disobey any traffic laws, Defendant Officers dragged him out of the car, handcuffed him, assaulted him, and knocked a cell phone out of a passenger's hand who was trying to video the incident. Plaintiff was taken to the 113th Precinct and charged with OGA, Resisting Arrest, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, and making an illegal signal, which were ACD'd.

Pinnock, Loel vs Lewis, Matthew, et al.
Case # 16CV04502, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, October 13, 2016, ended September 14, 2018
$100,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: Defendant Officers pulled over Plaintiff's car, ordered him out, searched it, arrested him, brought him to the 113th Precinct, and assaulted him. Plaintiff was taken to the hospital with multiple fractures.