Joseph L. Castaldo

Lawsuits

Named in 5 known lawsuits, $316,500 total settlements.

Frye, Marcus vs City of Ny, et al.
Case # 720396/2021, Supreme Court - Queens, September 13, 2021
Complaint
Description: On April 23, 2020, plaintiff was illegally targeted because of his race as a Black or African American male by 10 unnamed police officers. Specifically, the officers drove a police car at plaintiff, a pedestrian, almost striking him. Then, the officers ran toward Plaintiff, grabbed him, pepper sprayed and tased him, all without any justification to do so. Plaintiff was then unlawfully searched and seized, enduring punches, kicks, being thrown to the ground and placed in handcuffs which were too tight. The officers then signed a criminal complaint affirming the truth of fabricated allegations against plaintiff, namely that he had committed criminal acts.

Elliot, Dramel vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 20CV00702, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, April 1, 2020, ended June 3, 2021
$1,500 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On October 29, 2018, plaintiff Elliot was in the back seat of a parked vehicle while her two friends were in the front seat. Officer John Doe (potentially Anthony Jones) approached the vehicle with his gun drawn and pointed at the vehicle's occupants. The occupants were removed from the car, tightly handcuffed, and held on the scene by Officers John Does (potentially Anthony Jones and Joseph Castaldo) before being transported to the precinct and then central booking. Plaintiff was then transferred back to the precinct and held for another 26/27 hours. Plaintiff was finally released with no charges filed against her.

Diallo, Mamadou, et Al vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 029266/2018E, Supreme Court - Bronx, August 31, 2018, ended June 11, 2020
$250,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On or about August 8, 2017, Plaintiffs were lawfully at the premises known as 1715 Watson Avenue in the Bronx. At said time and place, the Defendants entered the premises without a warrant and without probable cause to do so and proceeded to arrest everyone. Defendants wrongfully stopped, handcuffed, and seized the Plaintiffs about their person, causing them physical pain and mental suffering. At no time did Defendants have legal cause to stop, handcuff, seize, or touch Plaintiffs, nor did Plaintiffs consent to this illegal touching nor was or privileged by law. Some Plaintiffs were released from the precinct without any charges while others were issued desk appearance tickets. The rest were taken to Central Bo...

Lasalle, Jose vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 303115/2016, Supreme Court - Bronx, October 24, 2016, ended February 27, 2019
$65,000 Settlement

Mcgrier, Freddie vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 16CV05667, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, August 11, 2016
Complaint
Description: On September 4, 2012, plaintiff was falsely arrested in connection with a robbery-murder. Detective Robert Henn, Detective Felix Ramos, Lieutenant Richard Gibson, Detective Anthony D'Amato, and Detective Thomas Aashem failed to collect evidence or adequately preserve DNA from the scene. Even after a DNA test revealed that plaintiff could not have been present the night of the crime, ADAs Derek Lynton and Ray Valeria continued their improper motive to obtain a conviction in the high profile matter. NYPD failed to conduct a basic criminal investigation. Plaintiff was incarcerated at Rikers Island for three years awaiting trial due to the ADAs' needless adjourning of his trial. While at Rikers Island, plaintiff wa...