James J. Zozzaro

Lawsuits

Named in 3 known lawsuits, $120,000 total settlements.

Scott, Jamel vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 17CV00071, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, February 7, 2017, ended October 12, 2017
Zero Disposition
Complaint
Description: Defendant Detectives coerced an identifying witness to falsely identify Plaintiff as the perpetrator of murder, even though witness had not seen the gunman's face, by threatening to call child/protective service on said witness if she failed to comply. Plaintiff was charged with 125.25 Murder in the Second Degree and spent approximately 22 months in jail until all charges were dismissed.

Filer, Robert vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV05672, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, October 8, 2014, ended August 14, 2017
$45,000 Settlement
Complaint, Amended Complaint
Description: On Nov. 19, 2011 plaintiff was in the driver's seat of his parked vehicle when officers arrested him. Plaintiff has a visible physical disability as he is paralyzed from the chest and waist down and requires a wheelchair for mobility. He also has to use a catheter in order to urinate. When arrested, officers lifted plaintiff out of his car and placed him in his wheelchair. An NYPD van arrived to transport plaintiff to the precinct, but the van was not wheelchair accessible. Officers instead lifted plaintiff into the van but did not secure him in any way. Plaintiff could not hold himself upright as his hands were handcuffed and once the van moved, he fell to the floor. He hit his head, neck and body as the van m...

Garris, Nieisha, et Ano vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 13CV02901, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, April 30, 2013, ended April 28, 2014
$75,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: Defendant Officers arrested Plaintiffs for recording the officers arresting three other suspects using excessive force. Defendant Officers then called for backup and arrested Plaintiffs, struck one with a metal baton, stomped on their cellphone, and then continued assaulting Plaintiff. Officers then arrested the other plaintiff, verbally harassing her. Defendant officers transported plaintiffs to the precinct, while continuing to engage in aggressive, forceful, and offensive conduct. Plaintiffs allege that Defendant officers at the precinct had been, or currently were, consuming alcohol. Plaintiffs were called ìblack monkey beasts, porch monkeys and lowlives, and ugly black n-ggersî by defendant officers. O...