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.
'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.
Named in 4 known lawsuits, $119,001 total settlements.
Westbrooks, Donnell vs P.O. Baranek, Jessica, et al.
Case # 14CV06630,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, June 8, 2015, ended July 16, 2015
$17,500 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On January 17, 2014, the plaintiff, Mr. Donnell Westbrooks, was driving his car, when the defendant NYPD officers (including Officers Jessica Baranek and Asif Tasoren and Sergeant Sean Downes) pulled him over and asked for his license, registration, and insurance. When Mr. Westbrooks asked why he had been pulled over, the defendants refused to answer. At no point did the defendants observe Mr. Westbrooks committing any crime or offense. The defendants ordered Mr. Westbrooks out of his car and had him sit on the car's back bumper. Once he sat on the bumper, they yanked him violently up off the bumper and tightly handcuffed him. One defendant police officer kicked Mr. Westbrooks violently in the knee, causing him...
Rivera, Fabian vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV02842,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, June 3, 2015, ended June 20, 2016
$70,000 Settlement
Complaint,
Amended Complaint
Description: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by Defendant Officers, who pulled plaintiff out of the vehicle and assaulted him by kicking his face, head, and body and using an asp and radio as a weapon, resulting in hospitalization. Plaintiff taken to 75th precinct and charged with assault in the 2nd degree, assault in the 3rd degree, attempted assault in the 3rd degree, OGA, Resisting Arrest, Endangering the Welfare of a child, and Harassment in the Second Degree, all later dismissed and sealed
Maitland, Lloyd vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 13CV02807,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, May 17, 2013, ended May 14, 2014
$20,001 Settlement
Complaint
Washington v. City of New York, et al
Case # 13CV03346,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY,
$11,500 Settlement
Stipulation,
First Amended Complaint