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, $400,000 total settlements.
Pinero, Carmen vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 16CV05890,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, December 20, 2016, ended February 14, 2019
$40,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: Defendant Officers unlawfully entered plaintiff's apartment with guns drawn and participated in needlessly beating plaintiff. Plaintiff was sent in an ambulance from her home to the hospital where she was released without any charges being filed against her.
Vitalone, Alfred vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV08525,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, November 2, 2015, ended December 14, 2018
$190,000 Settlement
Complaint,
Amended Complaint
Description: Defendant Officers approached, accosted, assaulted, and falsely arrested Plaintiff. Plaintiff was given a DAT which was later dismissed and sealed.
Degroat, John vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV03991,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, July 14, 2014, ended June 4, 2015
$15,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On July 20, 2012, John Degroat was unlawfully stopped and searched in a Staten Island apartment building in which he was legally present given that he was visiting his aunt, a resident of the apartment. Police officers Vincent Agile, Michael McAvoy, and 2 others unnamed in the complaint, acting on the orders of Sergeant Mark Paquette, falsely arrested Plaintiff in an abuse of process which would later result in malicious prosecution after false statements were given by the police. Further, Plaintiff alleges failure to intervene, and a violation of equal protection rights.
Champagne et al v. City of New York et al
Case # 11CV05644,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY
$155,000 Settlement
Amended Complaint,
Stipulation