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.
'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 2 known lawsuits, $180,000 total settlements.
Neco, Beverly vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 16CV03211,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, May 9, 2016, ended February 2, 2017
$5,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: Plaintiff had run into an ex-boyfriend who had been abusive towards her. He was threatening her and so she called the police. Initially no one responded but when she called again, Defendant Officers arrived. They told her to make a police report and drove off. The officers then returned and were hostile and aggressive with the Plaintiff about her situation and then forcefully arrested her. She was taken to the 20th precinct and charged with Resisting Arrest, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Disorderly Conduct, which were later dismissed.
Lafont, Suzanne, et al. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV04354,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, August 15, 2014, ended October 26, 2015
$175,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On April 5, 2013, Plaintiffs Suzanne LaFont and Karl Peltomaa were in their Manhattan apartment when Peltomaa began experiencing complications from a recent open-heart surgery. Plaintiffs called 911 for help and the police inexplicably acted in such a way that caused Peltomaa to become someone they wanted to arrest. LaFont touched the shoulder of a police officer during this encounter and was also placed under arrest. Charges would eventually be dropped in furtherance of justice, but Plaintiffs both needed medical treatment as a result of the police's actions during a call where only medical service was needed. Plaintiffs allege false arrest, malicious prosecution, excessive force, and failure to intervene.