Conclusion Meanings:
'Exonerated': or 'Within NYPD Guidelines' - The conduct occurred but did not violate the NYPD's own rules, which often give officers significant discretion.
'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.
'Unsubstantiated': or 'Unable to Determine' - The alleged conduct was investigated but could not determine both that the conduct occurred and that it broke the rules.
Further details on conclusions.
Named in 7 known lawsuits, $402,500 total settlements.
Mckenzie, Bryan vs City of Ny, et al.
Case # 155662/2025,
Supreme Court - New York, August 7, 2025
Watts, Andre vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 150296/2018,
Supreme Court - New York, January 25, 2018, ended August 2, 2018
$250,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On January 15, 2017, Police Officer Jose Tavarez approached the plaintiff and his brother with PO David Meija, and PO Tavarez fired his Taser at the plaintiff without warning or cause, striking the plaintiff in the temple with one dart. PO Tavarez discharged his taser a several more times in dry stun mode to the plaintiff's side and shoulder areas. Soom additional officers arrived on the scene, and they continued to strike the plaintiff while the other officers failed to intercede. The plaintiff was handcuffed and arrested. The plaintiff requested need for immediate medical attention but it was ignored. The plaintiff was wrongfully prosecuted, but all criminal charges against him were dismissed on December 14, ...
Harris, Timothy vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 150242/2016,
Supreme Court - New York, May 9, 2016, ended January 3, 2017
$60,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On October 13, 2014, at approximately 2:00 PM, Plaintiff was standing in the vicinity of a store when Officer Catherine Vargas, Officer Alexandra Mojica, Sgt. Francisco Lopez and other unidentified officers exited their police vehicle and approached, stopped, questioned, frisked and searched Plaintiff. Upon request, Plaintiff provided identification to the officers. Upon seeing Plaintiff's New York State Benefits Card, Sgt. Lopez ordered the other officers to "take him down". The officers tightly handcuffed Plaintiff and slammed him on the hood of the car.
Plaintiff was taken to the precinct and asked for medical attention because he was in pain due to tight handcuffs and excessively rough manner in which he ...
Butler, Moniqua Renee vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 161222/2014E,
Supreme Court - New York, January 14, 2015, ended December 9, 2015
$10,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On November 12, 2013, Plaintiff, Moniqua Renee Butler, was exiting the Kennedy Fried Chicken when she was suddenly accosted by NYPD officer Vergas and others that are identified. Defendants/Police Officers stopped Plaintiff and asked her "where is it at?" whereby NYPD searched her and found nothing. Plaintiff was handcuffed and placed under arrest for tampering with physical evidence despite Defendants' knowledge that they lacked reasonable grounds or probable cause to do so . She was taken to precinct where she was booked and placed inside a holding cell. Charges were then dropped on November 12, 2013.
Wiggins, Shauna vs Police Department, Nyc, et al.
Case # 152238/2013,
Supreme Court - New York, July 8, 2013, ended May 15, 2018
$75,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On March 9, 2012, Plaintiff was lawfully standing in front of a store when she was subjected to verbal and physical abuse by multiple unknown Defendant NYPD officers and Defendant NYPD officers Vargas and Vasquez. The Defendants struck Plaintiff in the head, face, and body, prior to forcibly detaining her. The Defendants had no legal cause or justification for their actions. Plaintiff was arrested and charged, though all charges against Plaintiff were eventually dropped.
Beckles-Canton, Sanayi vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 13CV02294,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, April 15, 2013, ended October 8, 2013
$7,500 Settlement
Berbick, Clive vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 11CV05295,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, September 21, 2012, ended June 16, 2014
Order/Judgment (Verdict)