Substantiated Allegations:
Abuse of Authority: Improper use of body-worn camera
Abuse of Authority: Improper use of body-worn camera
Joel A. Mottola
Badge #4982,
Hispanic Male
Sergeant Special Assignment at Patrol Borough Manhattan South Community Affairs Section since March 2023
Also served at
5th Precinct
Service
started July 2011,
made $182,000 last year,
Tax #950922
Lawsuit Settlements:
$15,000 Elder, Adam, et al. vs City of Ny, et al., 2025 SDNY SDNY 25CV01923
View Details
$15,000 Elder, Adam, et al. vs City of Ny, et al., 2025 SDNY SDNY 25CV01923
View Details
Complaints
3
Complaints
9
Allegations
1
Substantiated
1
Substantiated (Command Discipline A)
3
Closed - Pending Litigation
2
Unable to Determine
2
Unfounded
1
Within NYPD Guidelines
Complaint #202312093,
December 2023
additional details
| Allegation: | Abuse of Authority: Seizure of property |
|---|---|
| Complainant: | Female |
| CCRB Conclusion: | Within NYPD Guidelines |
| Allegation: | Force: Physical force |
| Complainant: | Female |
| CCRB Conclusion: | Unfounded |
| Allegation: | Force: Physical force |
| Complainant: | Female |
| CCRB Conclusion: | Unfounded |
Complaint #202312107,
December 2023
additional details
| Allegation: | Force: Physical force |
|---|---|
| CCRB Conclusion: | Closed - Pending Litigation |
| Allegation: | Force: Chokehold |
| Complainant: | Male |
| CCRB Conclusion: | Closed - Pending Litigation |
| Allegation: | Force: Restricted Breathing |
| Complainant: | Male |
| CCRB Conclusion: | Closed - Pending Litigation |
Complaint #202309522,
October 2023
additional details
| Allegation: | Abuse of Authority: Sexual Miscon (Sexual Assault) |
|---|---|
| Complainant: | Black, 25-29 |
| CCRB Conclusion: | Unable to Determine |
| Allegation: | Force: Physical force |
| Complainant: | Black, 25-29 |
| CCRB Conclusion: | Unable to Determine |
| Allegation: | Abuse of Authority: Improper use of body-worn camera |
| Complainant: | Age 25-29 |
| CCRB Conclusion: | Substantiated (Command Discipline A) |
| Penalty: | Command Discipline - A |
| Complaint #202312093, December 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Allegation | Complainant | CCRB Conclusion |
| Abuse of Authority: Seizure of property | Female | Within NYPD Guidelines |
| Force: Physical force | Female | Unfounded |
| Force: Physical force | Female | Unfounded |
| additional details | ||
| Complaint #202312107, December 2023 | ||
| Allegation | Complainant | CCRB Conclusion |
| Force: Physical force | Closed - Pending Litigation | |
| Force: Chokehold | Male | Closed - Pending Litigation |
| Force: Restricted Breathing | Male | Closed - Pending Litigation |
| additional details | ||
| Complaint #202309522, October 2023 | ||
| Allegation | Complainant | CCRB Conclusion |
| Abuse of Authority: Sexual Miscon (Sexual Assault) | Black, 25-29 | Unable to Determine |
| Force: Physical force | Black, 25-29 | Unable to Determine |
| Abuse of Authority: Improper use of body-worn camera | Age 25-29 | Substantiated (Command Discipline A) |
| Penalty: Command Discipline - A | ||
| additional details | ||
Conclusion Meanings:
'Substantiated': The misconduct occurred and it violated the rules. The NYPD has discretion over what, if any, discipline is imposed.
'Unable to Determine': The alleged conduct was investigated but could not determine both that the conduct occurred and that it broke the rules.
'Unfounded': Evidence suggests that the event or alleged conduct did not occur.
'Within NYPD Guidelines': The conduct occurred but did not violate the NYPD's own rules, which often give officers significant discretion.
Further details on conclusions.
Lawsuits
Named in 7 known lawsuits, $15,000 total settlements.Larsen, Drew vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 156405/2026, Supreme Court - New York, June 9, 2026
Symone, Anastacia vs City of Ny, et al.
Case # 25CV10379, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, December 22, 2025
Fox, Finnegan vs City of Ny, et al.
Case # 162844/2025, Supreme Court - New York, October 6, 2025
Wachlarowicz, John vs City of Ny, et al.
Case # 160338/2025, Supreme Court - New York, September 11, 2025
Makkawi, Mone, et Al vs City of Ny, et al.
Case # 25CV06321, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, September 9, 2025
Elder, Adam, et al. vs City of Ny, et al.
Case # 25CV01923, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, March 27, 2025, ended November 6, 2025
$15,000 Settlement
Roberti, David vs The Madison Square Garden Company, et al.
Case # 160511/2018, Supreme Court - New York, March 4, 2019
Complaint
Description: On or about November 12, 2017, Plaintiff, attended a concert by Dead & Company at Madison Square Garden (MSG) in New York City. Plaintiff entered MSG through a side door that did not have security personnel stationed there at the time. Plaintiff made it to the designated seat and enjoyed the first set of the performance without incident. During the intermission, security officers from MSG approached Plaintiff and asked to show them the ticket. Plaintiff complied and provided the ticket, which was valid for the event. Despite presenting a valid ticket, Plaintiff was taken to the MSG security office for further questioning. During this time, a security employee falsely accused Plaintiff of entering MSG through an...