Named in 2 known lawsuits, $25,000 total settlements.
Grytsyk, Petro vs P.O. Morales, Anthony, et al.
Case # 19CV03470,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, June 17, 2019
Complaint
Description: On April 18, 2016, plaintiff and his wife were legally selling artworks on a Times Square sidewalk when the latter was issued a summons by Defendant P.O. Morales, returnable at Criminal Court. Plaintiff pointed out to Morales that their conduct was not illegal and that the summons should instead be returnable at the NYC Environmental Control Board, and Morales brought over Defendant Lieutenant Khan, who ordered Plaintiff to close down his vendor display. When Plaintiff protested that this decision had to be left to a judge, Khan ordered Morales to arrest him. Morales complied, charging Plaintiff with obstruction of governmental administration and disorderly conduct. Morales handcuffed Plaintiff excessively tigh...
Shand, Jamal vs P.O. Mendez, Maria, et al.
Case # 16CV03950,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, June 30, 2016, ended March 20, 2017
$25,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: Plaintiffs were sitting on their steps observing a police investigation of a possible shooting in the vicinity when Defendant Officer Mendez approached them, questioned them about the shooting, and then responded with mocking insults and innuendos when they could not provide any information. One plaintiff then walked away to diffuse the situation when Defendant Officers seized him from behind with a chokehold, handcuffed him, and assaulted him. He was taken to the 32nd Precinct and charged with assault upon a police officer, resisting arrest and related charges, which were later dismissed after a jury trial.