Harris, Darrell vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 19CV04563,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, August 13, 2019, ended April 22, 2021
$20,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On or about December 19, 2018, plaintiff was arrested at the 113th Precinct for a burglary that took place on or about November 11, 2017 despite being nowhere near the premises at the time of the burglary. Prior to any conviction, NYPD officer Botta, under the direction of Detective Ivan Villaneuva, took DNA from plaintiff in violation of the NYS DNA Database Law. Plaintiff was arrested because his DNA was allegedly confirmed by Criminalists Steven Hand and Mike Yakoo of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as matching DNA from the crime scene; however, the DNA used had been corrupted. The NYPD prosecuted plaintiff despite knowing that he had a reputable alibi. Plaintiff's prosecution was part of a municip...