Named in 2 known lawsuits, $67,500 total settlements.
Al Qabbani, Samer vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV02794,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, April 15, 2015, ended March 22, 2016
$37,500 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On January 11, 2014, Plaintiff and his friend Tarik Gorfti lawfully passed through a turnstile using their Metrocards inside the subway station at Eighth Avenue and West 14th Street. Defendant Officers Genao, Lara, and Feliz then approached, stopped and arrested Plaintiff and Gorfti for "jumping the turnstile" and/or "doubling up." Plaintiff and Gorfti denied doing either of those things, showing their Metrocards to the Officers and urging them to verify that they were used. Even though a booth attendant was on duty, Officers did not ask the attendant to verify. Plaintiff and Gorfti protested their arrest without raising their voices or using inappropriate language; their protests angered Defendants. Officer Ge...
Gorfti, Tarik vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV05049,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, July 9, 2014, ended January 16, 2015
$30,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On Saturday, January 11, 2014, inside the subway station, Plaintiff lawfully passed through a turnstile using their Metrocards with his friend. Defendants Genao, Lara, and Feliz approached, stopped, and arrested Plaintiff and his friend for “jumping the turnstile” and/or “doubling up” without probable cause. Defendants and Genao or Lara disparaged Plaintiff’s national origin, stating, in sum and substance, “Moroccans are animals” and “You beat women.” Plaintiff was handcuffed excessively tightly behind his back. Plaintiff repeatedly asked Defendant Genao or Lara to loosen the handcuffs, but that Defendant refused. Defendants Genao, Lara, and Feliz conspired to prepare and did prepare a false and misleading poli...