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, $28,000 total settlements.
Ortiz, Javier vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 13CV03491,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, June 19, 2013, ended November 4, 2013
$13,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On June 19, 2013, at approximately 8:00 p.m., plaintiff was at his residence in Queens with his girlfriend when police officers, including PO Vingelis, approached and inquired about fireworks. Plaintiff explained that the fireworks were not coming from his property. The officers proceeded to enter plaintiff's parents backyard without consent. Plaintiff, who had passed the bar and was awaiting formal admission, questioned the officers' actions. The officers responded sarcastically, called plaintiff names, accused him of various unfounded violations, and ultimately arrested him. They handcuffed him and took him to the 104th Precinct, then to Central Booking. Plaintiff was arraigned the next day, at which ti...
Estick, Rhon vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 13CV02880,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, May 31, 2013, ended February 5, 2014
$15,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On February 23, 2012, plaintiff and his brother were lawfully parked in their vehicle when approached without cause by defendant officers dressed in plain clothes. When plaintiff lawfully refused to speak with defendant officers, the officers smashed the drivers' side car window, hit the plaintiff in the back of the head with a gun, and dragged the plaintiff out of the vehicle to the sidewalk. Due to the injury to his head, plaintiff temporarily lost consciousness and woke up on the sidewalk undressed. Officers then arrested both plaintiff and his brother. As a result of being in custody, plaintiff missed the birth of his twin sons. After several court appearances, plaintiff consented to adjournment in contempl...