Named in 5 known lawsuits, $32,500 total settlements.
Martin, Jerelle vs City of Ny, et al.
Case # 519452/2021,
Supreme Court - Kings, August 4, 2021, ended April 14, 2022
$7,500 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On January 14, 2020, at approximately 3:00 p.m., plaintiff JERELLE MARTIN, while lawfully in the vicinity of 1111 Rutland Road in Brooklyn, New York, was subject to an unlawful stop, question, frisk, search, false arrest, and false imprisonment by the defendant New York City police officers. The officers in particular were Aurel Hoxha (Shield No. 13176) and Officer Ronnie Rivera (10655) and 10 unnamed officers. In addition, Plaintiff was subjected to an assault, battery, and use of excessive force by the defendant Officers, causing him to suffer physical as well as emotional and mental injuries. During Plaintiff's detainment, Plaintiff was denied medical treatment for his bleeding face, arms, and hands, but dec...
Febus, Adrian, et Al vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 20CV04091,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, September 2, 2020, ended April 5, 2022
$15,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On or about January 4, 2019, while walking on the sidewalk to a pool hall, Febus heard approximately three gun shots and then approached by police officers who asked him if he had heard any gun shots. He responded affirmatively whereupon P.O. Kristopher searched him. No weapon or contraband was found. Febus then entered the pool hall. Detectives and officers entered the pool hall and then handcuffed and arrested plaintiffs who complied and did not resist arrest. Plaintiffs were taken to a precinct where they were searched. An officer falsely told Febus that they were caught on camera shooting a firearm. Another falsely told James that a gun was found on them. Plaintiffs did not go before a Judge. Plaintiff Febu...
Downer, Harold vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 19CV05100,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, December 23, 2019, ended October 29, 2020
$10,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On December 16, 2017, Plaintiff Downer was falsely arrested by police officers Aurel Hoxha and Alan Chao. Although he was never observed to be engaged in criminal acts, he was accused of owning a nightclub for the purpose of engaging in unlawful conduct. Downer was actually the security guard and manager of a legitimate nightclub which charged an entrance fee, turned away those in possession of marijuana, and actively kicked out smokers from the premises. Downer was imprisoned for 24 hours and later prosecuted for Second Degree Criminal Mischief, but his case was dismissed because the officers lacked probable cause. This action is part of a repeating pattern of police officers targeting employees of bars and ni...
Stewart, Kendall, et al. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 501784/2018,
Supreme Court - Kings, January 29, 2018, ended January 31, 2022
Administrative Closing
Complaint
Description: On or about August 19, 2016, defendant Officers from the 67th precinct shut down Plaintiff's scheduled event at his Caribbean cafe, issuing 14 tickets, ignoring the valid liquor license, and claiming that the visit was part of a random business inspection. Two weeks prior, defendant Lt. Lombardi and other representatives of the 67th precinct had contacted Plaintiff demanding that he cancel his cultural event at his cafe, and did not provide justification when Plaintiff asked why. After the shut down, Plaintiff met with defendant Community Affairs Officer Nelson who told him to cancel all future events scheduled, including his most profitable weekend event, as the NYPD did not want any crimes to occur. Officer N...
Stewart, Omar vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 501781/2018,
Supreme Court - Kings, January 29, 2018
Complaint
Description: On January 28, 2017, the plaintiff was lawfully working at a Caribbean restaurant and event space. At that time, defendant-NYPD police officers, including Lt. Chou and Police Officer Aurel Hoxha (Shield No. 13176), entered the premises. The defendants were aware that plaintiff was neither the owner of the premises nor listed on the liquor licenses. Nevertheless, defendant-officers approached the plaintiff, interrogated him, prevented him from leaving or alerting the business owner, and subsequently grabbed, shoved, and searched the plaintiff against his will. The defendants proceeded to handcuff the plaintiff outside of the premises, where he was held for thirty (30) minutes in view of patrons or other persons...