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.
Named in 3 known lawsuits, $22,500 total settlements.
Intron, Rafael vs Mejia, Melvin, et al.
Case # 18CV01619,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, July 26, 2018, ended May 4, 2021
Zero Disposition
Complaint
Description: On or about August 15, 2013, plaintiff was placed under arrest by NYPD Detective Melvin Mejia for possession of a controlled substance. NYPD entered the residence in which plaintiff was staying based on an anonymous tip given to Detective Matthew Cerney and Detective Michael Dye. Plaintiff was then arraigned in criminal court before a judge who permitted the prosecution to file erroneous charges. Plaintiff contested the warrant for her arrest, which was erroneous and overly broad.
Benitez, Ermino vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 16CV06497,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, October 13, 2016, ended December 26, 2017
$15,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: Defendant Officers stopped Plaintiff, searched him, arrested him, brought him to the 25th Precinct, and charged him with 220.39. Plaintiff was found Not Guilty after a jury trial.
Jones, Bryan vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 13CV08733,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, December 10, 2013, ended June 26, 2014
$7,500 Settlement
Complaint,
Order of Discontinuance
Description: On February 19, 2012, when plaintiff was walking with his brother and several friends on the street, a group of uniformed and plain clothed police officers arrested the plaintiff. Plaintiff was handcuffed with excessive force and tackled to the ground. The officers punched the plaintiff multiple times in the back of the head and kicked multiple times while the plaintiff was handcuffed on the ground. The plaintiff’s arm circulation was cut off. The plaintiff was dragged on the ground while handcuffed and lifted to a police van.
Inside the police van, the officer searched the plaintiff, including his clothes between his butt cheeks. When the plaintiff was taken to the police precinct, the officers strip searched ...