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.
'Substantiated': The misconduct occurred and it violated the rules. The NYPD has discretion over what, if any, discipline is imposed.
'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 4 known lawsuits, $51,750 total settlements.
Baker, Justin vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 17CV04493,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, August 9, 2017, ended July 30, 2018
$19,250 Settlement
Complaint
Description: Plaintiff and his friends were visiting the basement of this apartment when they heard footsteps and believed that they were being robbed. Plaintiff ran into the backyard when he was confronted by officers, who jumped on top of the plaintiff. They then kicked and punched him on various parts of his body, searched him, and arrested him. Officers allegedly did not have a warrant for his arrest or a search warrant, and they did not find any contraband on his person. Officers also allegedly took an iPhone 6, an iPhone 7 and $49 in cash from his person and have not returned his property.
West, James vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV06229,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, October 24, 2014, ended September 25, 2015
$25,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On August 28, 2013, Plaintiff was a guest at a private club, when Officers Michael Williams and Okera Morrison, among other officers, forced their way in. More than ten individuals were handcuffed and searched, but no contraband was found on them. Defendants claimed to have found narcotics and gambling machines in the building, though none was in the room with the Plaintiff and the others. Plaintiff and the others were transported, searched and detained, but all of the others were released without charges that day. Officers initially falsely charged Plaintiff James West as one David West, who had warrants. Despite Plaintiff James West not being the subject of the search warrant for the premises, he was ill...
Lopez, Tais vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV03674,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, June 16, 2014, ended January 28, 2015
$7,500 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On June 13, 2013, Plaintiff was lawfully present at her son's elementary school in Brooklyn when defendant police officers approached and detained plaintiff without any legal justification or excuse. Plaintiff was seized forcefully, her arms were twisted behind her back and she was kneed in the back. Plaintiff was not resisting arrest and there was no reason for her to be seized in this way. Despite the fact that Plaintiff was not engaged in any illegal or suspicious activity, she was formally arrested and handcuffed and searched. Plaintiff sustained physical injuries including (but not limited to) pain to her shoulders, knees, and back. Plaintiff was transported to the local precinct where she was held for sev...
Smalls, Derek vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 012126/2013,
Supreme Court - Kings, July 9, 2013