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.
'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 4 known lawsuits, $175,000 total settlements.
Black, Cory vs City of Ny, et al.
Case # 161920/2023,
Supreme Court - New York, December 14, 2023
Complaint
Description: On September 27, 2017, the Plaintiff, Cory Black, was arrested and charged for a
robbery, assault, and grand larceny that happened a few weeks prior. Defendant Detective Felix Cruz was the arresting officer. Defendants John Does 1-5 were also involved in investigating the case, approving the arrest and/or charges, and/or causing Mr. Black’s prosecution.
Mr. Black was released on about April 17, 2020, after spending 458 days
in custody. The consolidated 2017 and bail jumping cases were eventually dismissed on February 1, 2022. The only evidence connecting Mr. Black to the
September 2017 crime was suggestive and faulty. But despite this and the lack of probable cause, Defendants Cruz and John Does 1-5 arrested...
Llanes, Tito vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 150340/2018,
Supreme Court - New York, February 7, 2018, ended May 2, 2022
$175,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On or about March 25, 2016 at approximately 5:30 am Defendants Detective Felix Cruz, City policy officers John/ Jane Doe handcuffed and seized Plaintiff Tito LLanes in the vicinity of 2595 Third Avenue in the Bronx in an excessive manner without legal cause for an incident that the police officers claim occured on or about march 23rd 2016 at 9:36 pm in the vicinity behind 1829 Lexington Avenue, NY. Defendants put Plaintiff in imminent fear of physical contact by approaching Plaintiff with loaded firearms, and other objects used to physically seize, strike and restrain the plaintiff. Plaintiff was assaulted and had batteries committed against him by the Defendants. Defendants arrested the plaintiff, put tight h...
Benn, George vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 18CV00722,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, February 6, 2018
Complaint
Description: Defendant Officers conducted an investigation of the killing of Willis Bennett and that the "rumor on the street" was that the Plaintiff was involved to which the Defendant Officers attempted to "fit" evidence to support this theory as well as fabricated evidence and suppressed evidence proving that the Plaintiff was not involved. On May 2, 2011, there was an interview of an eye witness to the shooting and naming the shooter (not the Plaintiff's name). On 4/19/2013, the Plaintiff was arrested and charged with the murder of Willis Bennett and remained in custody until 12/21/2016 and charges were dismissed on 6/15/2017.On February 19, 2015 the Plaintiff was on Rikers Island when at approximately 3:55pm Defendant ...
Dykes v. City of New York et al
Case # 17CV03592,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY
Complaint
Description: Defendant Officers knocked on Plaintiff's door, arrested her, took her into custody and held her for 12 hrs. before she was released without charges.