Michael J. Heinz

Badge #2858, White Male, 35
Detective Grade 3 at Intelligence Operations and Analysis Section since September 2025
Service started January 2013, made $171,000 last year, Tax #953959

Substantiated Allegations:
Force: Physical force

Lawsuit Settlements:
$12,500   Eley, Stefvon vs City of Ny, et al., 2021 BCSC BCSC 802353/2021E
$125,000   Eley, Lefone vs City of New York, et al., 2020 BCSC BCSC 033097/2020E
$12,500   Villacis, Brandon vs City of New York, et al., 2019 SDNY SDNY 19CV11510
$22,500   Lythcott, Dorian vs City of New York, et al., 2019 BCSC BCSC 032012/2019E
$25,000   King, Mercedesbenz vs City of New York, et al., 2019 BCSC BCSC 031855/2019E
$20,000   Jorge, Octavio vs City of New York, et al., 2018 BCSC BCSC 024323/2018E
View Details

Complaints

9 Complaints
29 Allegations
1 Substantiated
1 Substantiated (Charges)
2 Alleged Victim Unavailable
1 Alleged Victim Uncooperative
3 Complainant Uncooperative
6 Exonerated
4 Unfounded
12 Unsubstantiated

Complaint #202107018, November 2021
Allegation: Offensive Language: Ethnicity
Complainant: Black Female, 35-39
CCRB Conclusion: Unfounded
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Black Female, 35-39
CCRB Conclusion: Unfounded
additional details

Complaint #201802962, April 2018
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Frisk
Complainant: Black Male, 25
CCRB Conclusion: Complainant Uncooperative
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Search (of person)
Complainant: Black Male, 25
CCRB Conclusion: Complainant Uncooperative
additional details

Complaint #201801809, February 2018
Allegation: Offensive Language: Sexual orientation
Complainant: Black Female, 21
CCRB Conclusion: Alleged Victim Uncooperative
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Male, 20
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Documents: Complaint Closing Report
additional details

Complaint #201801611, February 2018
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Property damaged
Complainant: Male, 24
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Interference with recording
Complainant: Male, 24
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Discourtesy: Action
Complainant: Male, 24
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Documents: Complaint Closing Report
additional details

Complaint #201709949, November 2017
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Property damaged
Complainant: Hispanic Male, 26
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Vehicle search
Complainant: Hispanic Male, 26
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Hispanic Male, 26
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Hispanic Male, 26
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Vehicle search
Complainant: Hispanic Male, 26
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Property damaged
Complainant: Hispanic Male, 26
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
NYPD Conclusion: APU Not guilty
APU Case Status: Closed: Not guilty after trial-PC Approved, November 20, 2019
Documents: Complaint Closing Report
additional details

Complaint #201707661, September 2017
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Black Male, 23
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Interference with recording
Complainant: Black Male, 23
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched
Complainant: Black Male, 23
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Vehicle stop
Complainant: Black Male, 23
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Property damaged
Complainant: Black Male, 23
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Black Male, 35
CCRB Conclusion: Alleged Victim Unavailable
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Seizure of property
Complainant: Black Male, 35
CCRB Conclusion: Alleged Victim Unavailable
Documents: Complaint Closing Report
additional details

Complaint #201607801, September 2016
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Male, 21
CCRB Conclusion: Complainant Uncooperative
additional details

Complaint #201405440, May 2014
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
Complainant: Black Male, 22
CCRB Conclusion: Unsubstantiated
additional details

Complaint #201402022, March 2014
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Stop
Complainant: Hispanic Male, 19
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Force: Physical force
Complainant: Hispanic Male, 19
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Force: Nightstick as club (incl asp & baton)
Complainant: Black Male, 20
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Refusal to obtain medical treatment
Complainant: Black Male, 20
CCRB Conclusion: Unfounded
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Refusal to provide name/shield number
Complainant: Black Male, 20
CCRB Conclusion: Unfounded
additional details

Complaint #202107018, November 2021
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Offensive Language: Ethnicity Black Female, 35-39 Unfounded
Discourtesy: Word Black Female, 35-39 Unfounded
additional details
Complaint #201802962, April 2018
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse of Authority: Frisk Black Male, 25 Complainant Uncooperative
Abuse of Authority: Search (of person) Black Male, 25 Complainant Uncooperative
additional details
Complaint #201801809, February 2018
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Offensive Language: Sexual orientation Black Female, 21 Alleged Victim Uncooperative
Discourtesy: Word Male, 20 Unsubstantiated
Documents: Complaint Closing Report
additional details
Complaint #201801611, February 2018
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse of Authority: Property damaged Male, 24 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Interference with recording Male, 24 Unsubstantiated
Discourtesy: Action Male, 24 Unsubstantiated
Documents: Complaint Closing Report
additional details
Complaint #201709949, November 2017
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse of Authority: Property damaged Hispanic Male, 26 Exonerated
Abuse of Authority: Vehicle search Hispanic Male, 26 Exonerated
Force: Physical force Hispanic Male, 26 Substantiated (Charges)
Discourtesy: Word Hispanic Male, 26 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Vehicle search Hispanic Male, 26 Exonerated
Abuse of Authority: Property damaged Hispanic Male, 26 Unsubstantiated
NYPD Conclusion: APU Not guilty
APU Case Status: Closed: Not guilty after trial-PC Approved, November 20, 2019
Documents: Complaint Closing Report
additional details
Complaint #201707661, September 2017
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Force: Physical force Black Male, 23 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Interference with recording Black Male, 23 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Strip-searched Black Male, 23 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Vehicle stop Black Male, 23 Unsubstantiated
Abuse of Authority: Property damaged Black Male, 23 Unsubstantiated
Force: Physical force Black Male, 35 Alleged Victim Unavailable
Abuse of Authority: Seizure of property Black Male, 35 Alleged Victim Unavailable
Documents: Complaint Closing Report
additional details
Complaint #201607801, September 2016
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Force: Physical force Male, 21 Complainant Uncooperative
additional details
Complaint #201405440, May 2014
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Discourtesy: Word Black Male, 22 Unsubstantiated
additional details
Complaint #201402022, March 2014
Allegation Complainant CCRB Conclusion
Abuse of Authority: Stop Hispanic Male, 19 Exonerated
Force: Physical force Hispanic Male, 19 Exonerated
Force: Nightstick as club (incl asp & baton) Black Male, 20 Exonerated
Abuse of Authority: Refusal to obtain medical treatment Black Male, 20 Unfounded
Abuse of Authority: Refusal to provide name/shield number Black Male, 20 Unfounded
additional details

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.
'Unfounded': Evidence suggests that the event or alleged conduct did not occur.
'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.


Lawsuits

Named in 9 known lawsuits, $217,500 total settlements.

Miller, Daquan vs City of Ny, et al.
Case # 810717/2021E, Supreme Court - Bronx, December 16, 2021
Complaint
Description: On or about June 6, 2016, Plaintiff was driving home when he was followed and shot by persons in another car for reasons unknown to him. Plaintiff mounted/struck the curb in an attempt to avoid being shot. Defendants, including PO Michael Heinz and Rosalind Jaime, observed the interaction between Plaintiff and the persons. However, Defendants failed to conduct an investigation nor take simple scientific test to determine whether the persons had gunshot residue on their clothes or person, although Plaintiff informed that the persons had been shooting at his vehicle and directed to the bullet holes. Defendants brought false charges against Plaintiff.

Eley, Stefvon vs City of Ny, et al.
Case # 802353/2021E, Supreme Court - Bronx, February 26, 2021, ended June 20, 2024
$12,500 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On September 23, 2017, Plaintiff was at the park walking across the field when an off-duty NYPD officer yelled at Plaintiff to “Get the f*** off the field.” The officer and the other off-duty officers, including Christopher Doe, from Housing PSA 8 assaulted Plaintiff with baseballs and baseball bats while also kicking and punching him. The NYPD officers then called Housing PSA 8 NYPD officers for backup. Plaintiff was arrested and brought to Housing PSA 8. The charges against Plaintiff were not based upon probable cause, that is, the state of the facts known to the Defendants under the circumstances would not lead a reasonable person of ordinary caution and prudence to believe and/or entertain an honest suspici...

Eley, Lefone vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 033097/2020E, Supreme Court - Bronx, December 22, 2020, ended September 13, 2022
$125,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On July 13, 2017, plaintiff was lawfully driving his vehicle on Story Avenue, Bronx, when defendant police officers, without a warrant or probable cause, stopped him and searched his vehicle. Plaintiff recorded the search on tape. On July 18, while standing to his parked car, plaintiff was assaulted and arrested by other police officers. On September 10, when the plaintiff was driving, another defendant officer stopped, searched, attacked, and falsely arrested plaintiff. On September 15, while walking on the street, another group of officers stopped, searched, attacked, and arrested plaintiff for jay walking. On January 21, 2018, when plaintiff was driving he was yet again stopped, searched, and arrested for a ...

Villacis, Brandon vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 19CV11510, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, December 19, 2019, ended July 17, 2020
$12,500 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On November 29, 2017, Brandon Villacis was pulled over by Officers Heinz and Moore while driving his FedEx truck. As Villacis was reaching to his glove compartment, Officer Heinz punched Villacis in the face repeatedly, while Officer Moore sprayed mace in his face. The officers pulled Villacis out of the truck and continued to beat him before putting him in tight handcuffs. After a trip to the hospital, Villacis was held at the precinct for the night before he was charged with resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, and reckless driving. Officer Moore falsely claimed that Villacis pinned his arms underneath him and started rolling on the ground to avoid being handcuffed. Villacis pled guilty to disorderly co...

Lythcott, Dorian vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 032012/2019E, Supreme Court - Bronx, October 16, 2019, ended July 24, 2020
$22,500 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On or about January 2, 2019, plaintiff was heading home on his bicycle when defendant POs Heinz and Doe knocked him off his bike, handcuffed and arrested him. Plaintiff was then transported to Bronx Central Booking and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance even though plaintiff did not have possession of any controlled substance, no contraband was found during his search and at no time engaged in any criminal or unlawful conduct.

King, Mercedesbenz vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 031855/2019E, Supreme Court - Bronx, October 10, 2019, ended August 10, 2020
$25,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On 10/24/18, at approximately, 3:30 p.m., Plaintiff MERCEDESBENZ KING was lawfully in the vicinity of 1741 Randall Avenue doing nothing illegal. He was illegally stopped searched, grabbed, assaulted, battered, and detained by Defendants Heinz, Doe, and Roe. Defendants took Plaintiff to a Police Precinct. where he was forcibly fingerprinted and photographed. Plaintiff was subjected to a strip search while in the custody of defendants. Plaintiff was arraigned after his arrest and thereafter falsely and maliciously prosecuted for committing a crime. Plaintiff remained incarcerated for over 24 hours and was required to make numerous court appearances over an extended period until all charges against him were termi...

Desane, Dillon vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 033641/2018E, Supreme Court - Bronx, December 6, 2018
Complaint
Description: On September 4, 2017, Plaintiff was in his apartment at 2798 Randall Avenue, Bronx, NY. During the evening, Plaintiff's roommates, were involved in a physical altercation. Plaintiff was not involved in the fight. When police arrived, Officers entered Plaintiff's apartment without a warrant. SZOT stated that Plaintiff was not going to record them. Szot ordered AVALIES to arrest Plaintiff after he attempted to record the police search within his apartment. Officer Carlos Aviles forcefully grabbed Plaintiff, slammed him against the wall, and applied handcuffs tightly, causing pain. Plaintiff was detained at PSA 8. While in custody, officers unlawfully searched the apartament. Williams drafted a Criminal Court Com...

Nunez, Jenny vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 033654/2018E, Supreme Court - Bronx, December 4, 2018

Jorge, Octavio vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 024323/2018E, Supreme Court - Bronx, April 18, 2018, ended June 24, 2020
$20,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On February 15, 2017, at 1670 Seward Ave in the Bronx, Octavio Jorge was approached by two New York City police officers. The officers, without apparent legal cause, grabbed and handcuffed Jorge, subjecting him to a forceful seizure that caused him significant physical pain and mental distress. Despite not resisting, he was taken into custody and held for two to three days. During this period, he was falsely accused of criminal charges, which were ultimately dismissed on August 21, 2017. The officers' actions left Jorge not only physically restrained but also in a state of imminent fear as they brandished firearms while restraining him.

Other Documents

NYPD Trial Decision 11/20/2019