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.
'Unfounded': Evidence suggests that the event or alleged conduct did not occur.
'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, $6,625,000 total settlements.
Hamilton, Brittany, et al. vs Scarcella, Louis, et al.
Case # 17CV06384,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, December 7, 2017, ended March 24, 2021
Zero Disposition
Complaint
Description: Plaintiffs are suing on behalf of their family member who was wrongfully arrested and convicted of a shooting by Defendant Officer who fabricated evidence against him. His conviction was later vacated.
Hamilton, Derrick vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV04574,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, August 25, 2015, ended November 15, 2019
$6,625,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: Defendant Officers coerced a witness into identifying Plaintiff as the shooter in a murder case. Officers also threatened and intimidate other potential witnesses. The main witness later recanted her statement and admitted to being coerced by detectives Scarcella, Delouisa, and Ponzi. There is a long history of Scarcella's prior bad acts listed in the complaint. Plaintiff's conviction was eventually overturned.