Michael G. Best

Lawsuits

Named in 12 known lawsuits, $609,000 total settlements.

Peters, Kimani vs City of Ny, et al.
Case # 825854/2025E, Supreme Court - Bronx, December 18, 2025

Flores, Johnny vs City of Ny, et al.
Case # 818253/2024E, Supreme Court - Bronx, November 19, 2024
Complaint
Description: On February 7, 2023 Det. John Moise, Det. Michael Best, and PO Chris Aybar wrongfully detained, frisked, handcuffed, and arrested Plaintiff without legal justification. Plaintiff was wrongfully imprisoned and subjected to a malicious prosecution. The prosecution was dismissed on August 17, 2023. Plaintiff suffered severe emotional and psychological distress, anguish, anxiety, fear, humiliation, loss of wages, legal expenses, and damage to reputation as a result of this incident.

Flowers, Antoine vs Sehl, Donald, et al.
Case # 22CV02766, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, June 28, 2022, ended August 6, 2024
Zero Disposition
Complaint

Johnson, Glenn vs City of Ny, et al.
Case # 807819/2022E, Supreme Court - Bronx, June 14, 2022
Complaint
Description: On or about November 19. 2020, Glenn Johnson was driving his motor vehicle when he stopped at a store to make a purchase. Plaintiff got out of his vehicle and began to walk inside the store. As plaintiff exited the store he began to walk toward his vehicle and saw a woman who asked him if he wants to hang out. The unidentified female then told plaintiff that she lived nearby, around the corner. The woman then told plaintiff if she could get in his car because she was cold. Plaintiff consented and allowed the women to enter his vehicle. The unidentified female opened the door to plaintiff's motor vehicle and proceeded to sit next to him the front passenger seat of the vehicle. The woman told plaintiff that she w...

Cepeda, Miguel vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 026711/2017E, Supreme Court - Bronx, August 8, 2017, ended May 29, 2019
$25,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On or about September 6, 2016 at approximately 11:10 p.m. Plaintiff was having a conversation on the street with people when PO Michael Best and unnamed POs approached and asked the group to stand facing the wall of a building. POs then started searching the others, including by sticking their hands inside the civilians' pants. Plaintiff refused similar treatment and an unnamed officer grabbed him and told him they (the police) could do whatever they want. Plaintiff was thrown into an unmarked police car and POs intentionally slammed the door on his right foot. The PO who processed the arrest was PO Michael Best. Plaintiff was handcuffed with cuffs so tight Plaintiff's wrists "turned." POs denied Plaintiff prom...

Pettiford, Destiny, et al. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 17CV04328, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, June 28, 2017, ended September 4, 2018
$23,500 Settlement
Complaint
Description: Police officers stopped Plaintiff Destiny Pettiford's vehicle, while Ms. Pettiford was driving herself and Plaintiff Jason White. When asked for license and registration, Ms. Pettiford reached for her purse and repeatedly asked why she had been pulled over. Police Officer grabbed Ms. Pettiford's arm, prevented her from producing her license, and then physically pulled her out of the car. Police Officers also pulled Mr. White from the front passenger side and out of the vehicle. Plaintiffs were placed under arrest, and Ms. Pettiford was released without charges, while Mr. White was charged with attempted assault in the 3rd degree.

Innis, Rasheed, et al. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 17CV00323, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, January 20, 2017, ended July 12, 2018
$72,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: The plaintiffs were playing video games when the defendant officers knocked on the door and yelled "open the fucking door or I'll shoot you." The officers broke into the apartment with guns drawn, tightly handcuffed the plaintiffs, ransacked the apartment, and took the plaintiffs to a nearby precinct. False charges were made that were not listed in the complaint, but were ultimately dismissed.

Santiago, Jose vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 022822/2016, Supreme Court - Bronx, April 26, 2016, ended February 2, 2017
$17,500 Settlement

Miller, Devon vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV02791, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, April 18, 2014, ended January 7, 2015
$20,000 Settlement
Complaint, Stipulation
Description: Plaintiffs car was being towed so he entered to retrieve his registration when officers arrived and gave him a 2 minute warning. Moments later, more NYPD Officers arrived and dragged him from the car and assaulted him with their hands and fists, tightly handcuffed him, and took him to the 47th precinct. Charged with 205.30 Resisting arrest and 195.05 obstruction of governmental administration.

Smith, Mercedes, et al. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 13CV07646, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, October 31, 2013, ended September 8, 2014
$196,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: Plaintiff was taping on his phone the defendant officers stomping and assaulting a man. Defendant officers then seized Plaintiff and brought him to the 47th precinct where they made false allegations. Other plaintiffs were also arrested, using excessive force on most, for being at the scene.

Salmon, Michael vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 300710/2013, Supreme Court - Bronx, February 7, 2013, ended July 26, 2013
$35,000 Settlement

Lewis, Michael, et Al vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 308356/2012, Supreme Court - Bronx, October 24, 2012, ended June 22, 2018
$220,000 Settlement