Conclusion Meanings:
'Exonerated': or 'Within NYPD Guidelines' - the alleged conduct occurred but did not violate the NYPD's own rules, which often give officers significant discretion.
'Substantiated': The alleged conduct occurred and it violated the rules. The NYPD has discretion over what, if any, discipline is imposed.
'Unfounded': Evidence suggests that the event or alleged conduct did not occur.
Further details on conclusion definitions.
Named in 3 known lawsuits, $4,500 total settlements.
Goldring, Robert vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 16CV05651,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, April 27, 2017, ended September 20, 2019
Zero Disposition
Complaint
Description: Defendant officer Det Donawa approached Plaintiff and inquired about an assault incident Plaintiff was not involved in. Two days later, the Det. arrested Plaintiff and charged him with Assault in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree and Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Plaintiff was acquitted of Assault 1 and 2 but convicted on 1 count of assault 2 and weapon possession. The appellate division reversed the judgment and ordered a new trial.
Turner, George vs Mele, Megan, et al.
Case # 15CV00074,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, January 14, 2015, ended October 6, 2017
Zero Disposition
Complaint
Description: In 2013, Detective Daru Donawa contacted plaintiff after plaintiff's ex-partner filed a police report against him. Plaintiff alleges that there was no evidence, outside of the ex-partner's accusations, against him. The ex-partner then called plaintiff and confessed, in a taped conversation, to making false reports. Despite showing this to Donawa, and despite Donawa stating at the time of the arrest that plaintiff's ex-partner made previous false accusations, Donawa arrested plaintiff.
In 2014, Detective Thomas Handley arrested plaintiff after his ex-partner filed another police report against plaintiff. Plaintiff showed Handley a video of his ex-partner stalking and photographing him as he sat in his car in fr...
Findlay, Towana vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV03765,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, June 20, 2014, ended February 26, 2015
$4,500 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On June 18, 2013, the Plaintiff was falsely arrested from her leased premises on false charges of an arrest warrant being present. However, there was only a compliant from the property owner towards the tenant Plaintiff. The Plaintiff was detained at central booking for several hours before being released. Eight months and several court appearances later, all charges were dismissed.