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.
'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 2 known lawsuits, $84,500 total settlements.
Cruz, James vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 17CV00640,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, February 17, 2017, ended August 16, 2017
$9,500 Settlement
Complaint
Description: Plaintiff was getting soda at a local deli when defendants burst into the deli. Allegedly, defendant Hernandez saw the plaintiff holding a Pringles can that had several bags of marijuana removed from it. Plaintiff and a deli employee swear that the plaintiff was nowhere near a Pringles can. Plaintiff was taken to the 32rd precinct where he was strip searched and held for three days before being ROR. The case was dismissed a year later.
Hardwell, Elijah vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 152765/2013,
Supreme Court - New York, March 28, 2013, ended November 30, 2016
$75,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On April 3, 2012, Plaintiff was saying goodbye to several of his friends on the street corner when he was told by NYPD Defendants to leave. Plaintiff attempted to leave and walked towards the train when Defendants approached him and viciously beat him without provocation. Defendants placed their knees against the head and chest of Plaintiff and punched him. Plaintiff was thrown into a car and against the ground without reason or justification. Defendants called Plaintiff the "n word" then brought to the 32nd and 28th precincts, then brought to Central Booking. Plaintiff was seen before a judge and released, then appeared in court on several occasions. All charges against Plaintiff were ultimately dismissed.