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.
'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 2 known lawsuits, $38,000 total settlements.
Marcellin, Sean vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 19CV02076,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, July 9, 2019, ended December 21, 2019
$30,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On January 11, 2018, Plaintiff Sean Marcellin, an employee of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, was driving one of their rental cars to a car wash when he passed by an unmarked police car. As he passed, he noticed that Defendant Officers Berkowitz, Devane, and Mercurio were staring at him from inside the vehicle. The unmarked police car then began tailing Mr. Marcellin and eventually pulled his car over. As Mr. Marcellin pulled over, he signaled to a nearby bystander, who began to record the incident. Defendant Officer Berkowitz approached the car and demanded that Mr. Marcellin produce his license. Mr. Marcellin mistakenly produced his learner's permit instead of his license, at which point he was threatened by Defendant...
Keith, Zenzile vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV02781,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, August 3, 2015, ended June 14, 2016
$8,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: Defendant Officer Marcuz approached Plaintiff wile she was peacefully protesting and hit her arm when another Defendant Officer grabbed her by the ponytail and dragged her to police vehicle, brought her to the 7th precinct, searched her, charged her with 240.20(5) Disorderly Conduct- Blocking Traffic, which was later dismissed.