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.
'Unfounded': Evidence suggests that the event or alleged conduct did not occur.
'Unsubstantiated': or 'Unable to Determine' - CCRB has fully investigated but could not affirmatively conclude both that the conduct occurred and that it broke the rules.
Further details on conclusion definitions.
Sakevich, John vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 13CV07165,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, October 11, 2013, ended March 7, 2016
$475,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On July 10, 2012, Officer Martha Lequerica and a sergeant stopped plaintiff's vehicle without just cause. Officer Lequerica ordered plaintiff out of the car and searched, handcuffed, and arrested him without probable cause. Officers Luis Martinez and Robert Veloz were present. Officers Teres Nivar, Jose Morales, and Nilka Vargas then arrived at the location. Officer Lequerica intentionally tightened plaintiff's right handcuff, resulting in pain. Plaintiff asked for it to be loosened, and his request was ignored. Plaintiff was placed in a van with Officers Novar, Morales, and an unknown officer. He repeatedly asked them to loosen his handcuff or provide him with medical care and was ignored. He was taken to a pr...