Joel A. Bolivar

Lawsuits

Named in 4 known lawsuits, $60,000 total settlements.

Wilson, Michelle vs City of Ny, et al.
Case # 818243/2023, Supreme Court - Bronx, December 21, 2023
Complaint
Description: On or about January 16, 2021, Plaintiff was arrested on a non-bail eligible offense in the Bronx. After being brought into custody under arrest and interrogation, Plaintiff was re-arrested and falsely charged with attempted murder. Defendant officers claimed Plaintiff was involved in an incident that took place on January 13, 2021, where an individual (JR) was repeatedly struck with a crowbar and stabbed by another (ST), while ST's wife ("Michelle") looked on. While "Michelle" may have been present, there was insufficient evidence to established probable cause that "Michelle" had attempted to murder JR. At the time of Plaintiff's arrest, Defendant officers did not have probable cause or reasonable suspicion t...

Pina, Starley vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 027714/2019E, Supreme Court - Bronx, July 9, 2019, ended July 28, 2022
$25,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On July 27, 2017 plaintiff was inside of Diaz's vehicle in the vicinity of Westchester and Bryant Aves, Bronx, NY. Plaintiff was a passenger in the front passenger seat, while Diaz was driving. Defendants unlawfully stopped the vehicle and commanded Diaz and plaintiff to exit the vehicle. Upon exiting, Defendants illegally tightly handcuffed and searched plaintiff. Plaintiff was put in a police vehicle and taken to the 42nd precinct. After being held in a cell at the precinct for several hours, plaintiff was sent to Central Booking. Defendants intentionally provided false information to the Bronx County DA, so a criminal prosecution would be initiated against plaintiff, namely contraband was in his possession. ...

Valdez Cuevas, Angel David vs Police Officer Duran, Thomas, et al.
Case # 18CV03959, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, May 31, 2018, ended September 13, 2019
$7,500 Settlement
Complaint
Description: While driving a car, Plaintiff was pulled over by Defendant Officer and given field sobriety and breathalyzer tests, which Defendant Officer believed Plaintiff was doing incorrectly. Plaintiff was cuffed tightly and placed under arrest. Plaintiff was brought to the 45th Precinct, breathalyzed again, and let go after he blew a 0.02. Plaintiff was then re-cuffed and transported to the 42nd precinct, where he was told his car was. In reality, however, he was being arrested again, charged with driving while intoxicated, and driving while his ability was impaired. Plaintiffs case was later dismissed, and he had trouble getting his car back.

Rosario, Prichards vs City of New York
Case # 024892/2018E, Supreme Court - Bronx, April 30, 2018, ended June 5, 2019
$27,500 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On August 16, 2017, Prichards Rosario was walking near Prospect Avenue and East 165th Street in the Bronx when he was abruptly stopped by several New York City police officers, including Joel Bolivar and Sandy Nunez. Without any apparent reason, Rosario was grabbed, searched, and detained. The officers escalated the encounter further by subjecting him to a humiliating strip search, all without a warrant or probable cause. After being taken into custody, Rosario spent over 24 hours in jail, facing false charges that required him to make multiple court appearances before the case was finally dismissed. Rosario’s ordeal was not an isolated incident but part of a larger issue tied to the NYPD’s “Stop and Frisk” pr...