Joseph Esposito

Lawsuits

Named in 24 known lawsuits, $623,001 total settlements.

Packard, George, et al. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV07130, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, September 24, 2015
Complaint
Description: On September 15, 2012, Plaintiff Charles Meacham was near Trinity Church on lower Broadway within the confines of the First Precinct in Manhattan. Meachem, a photographer, standing on the sidewalk engaged in his professional capacity, was grabbed and detained by Inspector Edward Winski and passed to Police Officer Thomas Doonan to process Plaintiff’s arrest for disorderly conduct, which were subsequently dismissed. Between September 15 to September 17, 2012, as the first anniversary of the September 17, 2011 Occupy Wall Street Protests approached, the previous and following plaintiffs were wrongfully arrested by NYPD officers, all while engaged in expressive speech activity protected by the First, Fourth, and ...

Gerskovich, Alex vs Nypd Captain Iocco, Mark, et al.
Case # 15CV07280, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, September 24, 2015, ended November 3, 2017
$256,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On the morning of September 17, 2012, Plaintiff Alex Gershkovich was involved in the one year anniversary of Occupy Wall Street; in particular he was participating in protests and photographing arrests made near 4 New York Plaza. He documented the speech activity with video and still photography. At approximately 9:00 a.m., officers including Captain Mark Iocco arrested Mr. Gershkovich while he was standing outside a commercial building on the corner of Water and Broad Street. The officers singled out Mr. Gershkovich because he was an active participant in the Occupy Wall Street Movement. On September 18, 2012, at 7:15 p.m., Captain Iocco falsely testified to a member of the New York County District Attorney's...

Richardson, Luke vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV05775, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, July 23, 2015, ended December 17, 2018
$30,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On September 17, 2012, as plaintiff was participating in the 1-year anniversary celebration of the "Occupy Wall Street" protests, defendants struck plaintiff from behind, grasping their batons between both hands and shoving plaintiff in the back. Defendant Iocco grabbed plaintiff by the strap of his messenger bag and dragged him through a crowd of defendant officers. Defendants Bautista and Suddler placed plastic flex-cuffs tightly around plaintiff’s wrists, causing pain then numbness to plaintiff’s hands and wrists. Defendant was charged with disorderly conduct and released after 13 hours in custody. The charges against plaintiff were subsequently dismissed.

Marom, Yotam, et al. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV02017, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, March 31, 2015
Complaint
Description: Plaintiff was lawfully present in Liberty Plaza at the Occupy wall Street movement . Plaintiff was subjected to excessive force , illegal and false arrest by Defendants and taken into custody without probable cause .

Case, Benjamin, et al. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV09148, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, March 12, 2015
Complaint
Description: On November 17, 2011, four Plaintiffs participated in peaceful activities protected by the law, namely, peacefully assembling and demonstrating with others in association with Occupy Wall Street – a political movement dedicated to addressing interconnected grievances of the 99% vis-à-vis the 1%, including in relation to income inequality – in the Wall Street area. Then, without lawful authority or justification, police officers unlawfully detained and arrested Plaintiffs, using excessive force against them. Officers subjected Plaintiffs to unnecessarily lengthy mass arrest processing and detentions; three of the Plaintiffs were eventually released with Desk Appearance Tickets after between approximately fifteen...

Jones, Briana vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV01146, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, March 10, 2015, ended August 29, 2016
Zero Disposition
Complaint
Description: On April 26, 2012, Briana Jones was in her home on East 56th Street in Brooklyn when Neil Casey and Robert Beierle, amongst other P.O.s broke down her door without cause and illegally arrested Jones Jones was thrown to the floor, assaulted, battered, and handcuffed. P.O.s unlawfully searched her apartment and arrested her.

Pchelka, Zdzislaw, et al. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV01042, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, March 6, 2015, ended February 26, 2016
Zero Disposition
Complaint
Description: On December 6, 2013, Plaintiff Zdzislaw Pchelka and his son - Plaintiff K.P. who is a minor - were crossing McGuiness Boulevard within the cross-walk when the adult Plaintiff was struck by a black van and knocked to the ground. The van was being operated by a Defendant off duty Police Officer, who cursed at the Plaintiffs. The Defendant John Doe Officer then exited the van and assaulted and battered the adult Plaintiff, and threw him on the hood of the van where the assault and battery continued. The Defendant Officer then violently handcuffed the Plaintiff and physically knocked him to the ground and dragged him to the sidewalk. At some point, other Defendant Police Officers arrived on the scene. The Plaintiff...

Jones, Shanise vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV00876, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, February 24, 2015, ended August 29, 2016
Zero Disposition
Complaint
Description: On April 26, 2012, Shanise Jones was in her apartment when Officers Neil Casey, Robert Beierle, and John Doe 73rd Precinct Officers busted down her door, threw her violently to the floor, assaulted and battered her, placed her in handcuffs, and arrested her without a warrant or probable cause. The police officers also ransacked her apartment while she remained in handcuffs. Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, First Deputy Commissioner Ragael Pineiro. Chief of Police Joseph Esposito, and the John Doe Commanding Officer were also named as defendants in the case.

Dekuyper, John Scott vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV08249, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, February 13, 2015, ended April 5, 2017
$45,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On October 15, 2011, plaintiff John Dekuyper was participating in an Occupy Wall Street-related assembly in the Times Square Area in Manhattan alongside his wife and daughter. Plaintiff was separated from his wife and daughter at about 6:00 pm due to the police funneling protesters into a kettle in the vicinity of West 46th Street and 7th Avenue. Plaintiff was pressed against a metal barricade the police placed between themselves and the kettled protesters, while Defendant NYPD Chief of Department Joseph Esposito and other NYPD officers shoved, punched, and kicked protesters, and NYPD officers on horseback threatened to trample plaintiff and other protesters. Defendant Esposito, the highest-ranking uniformed N...

Jackson, Kenyetta vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV00463, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, February 4, 2015, ended August 29, 2016
Zero Disposition
Complaint
Description: On April 7th, 2012, plaintiff Jackson was arrested by defendant POs. She was falsely detained without any probably cause. She also was not read her Miranda rights.

Livingston, Timothy vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV00462, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, February 4, 2015, ended August 29, 2016
Zero Disposition
Complaint
Description: On April 7, 2012, plaintiff was in his place of business (sharing premises with his place of residence) at 11:30pm when defendant officers entered with a "knowingly defective search warrant" seeking alleged contraband. After the search failed to yield contraband, the officers threw him to the floor, handcuffed him, and arrested him. He was not Mirandized. He was taken to the 73rd Precinct before being detained at Rikers. Officers subsequently entered plaintiff's apartment (the floor above his business) and confiscated his personal property, which they retained despite plaintiff's demand for its return. These officers failed to lock or secure the entrance to his apartment upon their exit, and as a result, the ap...

Savoy, Jon vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV07955, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, January 6, 2015, ended October 2, 2015
Zero Disposition
Complaint

Meyers, Charles, et al. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV09142, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, November 26, 2014
Settlement
Complaint
Description: On November 15, 2011, plaintiffs Meyers, Baker, Strekal, and Walsh as well as others were arrested while participating in the Occupy Wall Street movement, or attempting to participate, or observing their activities. The event was peaceful, law-abiding, and an expression of thought and political opinion. The protestor were camping in Zuccotti Park. The plaintiffs were in compliance with park rules, which provided for the park to be open to the public 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Defendants Bloomberg, Esposito, Kelly, Ynoa, Zaranis, Dubovici, and other JOHN DOES failed to obtain a court order or warrant of eviction prior to evicting the plaintiffs. The defendants failed to provide plaintiffs with notice...

Adkins, Justin vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV07519, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, October 22, 2014, ended February 1, 2016
$35,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On October 1, 2011, Plaintiff was at an Occupy Wallstreet Protest. He marched with other protestors onto the Brooklyn bridge, escorted by police. The police appeared to signal permission to go onto the bridge, but then began to execute a mass arrest of all of the protestors. Plaintiff was arrested and taken to a precinct where he was subjected to derogatory commentary from the police officers in regard to his gender identity. He was handcuffed to a metal bar attached to the wall for approximately 7 hours. Ultimately all charges against the defendant were dismissed.

Drake, Phillip vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 302643/2014, Supreme Court - Bronx, May 15, 2014, ended July 24, 2018
$20,000 Settlement

Thornton, Allan vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV01924, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, April 4, 2014, ended August 29, 2016
Zero Disposition
Complaint
Description: On April 7th, 2012, plaintiff Allan Thornton was lawfully in Brooklyn working on the first floor of a commercial location. Plaintiff was illegally stopped and arrested by defendant police officers whose names are currently unknown. He was thrown to the floor and battered. He was not read his miranda rights. He was taken to the precinct where he was processed.

Andrews, Gregory vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV01721, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, March 28, 2014, ended November 2, 2015
$7,501 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On February 17, 2013, Mr. Andrews was driving his car and was pulled over by two police officers on his way to do laundry. Without reasonable suspicion or probable cause that Mr. Andrews had committed a crime to justify the stop, the police officers had Mr. Andrews sit in his car for approximately thirty minutes after collecting his license and registration. During this time, one officer kept his hand on his gun and told the plaintiff he was under arrest for having a suspended license. Once out of the vehicle, Mr. Andrews was slammed face first on to the hood of the police car. Plaintiff was violently handcuffed and struck in the back of his head, neck and back several times. During the course of this incident,...

Zelaya, Lucas vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV01810, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, March 27, 2014, ended September 7, 2016
Order/Judgment (Verdict)
Complaint
Description: On March 31, 2013 Lucas Zelaya was standing on a public sidewalk in Kings County awaiting a taxi, when he was approached by four police officers: Lieutenant Richard Brea, and P.O.s Tardasha Crandell, Arshad Juman, and Carlos Anton and detained him. These four P.O.s physically and verbally assaulted Zelaya and threw him to the ground. Once on the ground, Zelaya was kicked and punched by these officers, handcuffed, and then continued to be kicked and punched. Zelaya was then pulled off the sidewalk by the handcuffs and then thrown into a police car. Zelaya was taken to the 73rd precinct where he was further physically abused and detained, and then was taken to Central booking where the physical abuse continued. Z...

Blount, Steve By Mng Livingston, Renee vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV01021, U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, February 28, 2014, ended August 29, 2016
Zero Disposition
Complaint

Laugier, Faith vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 13CV06171, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, September 4, 2013, ended January 19, 2015
$85,000 Settlement
Complaint

Ball, Rheannone vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 13CV05563, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, August 9, 2013, ended June 24, 2015
$45,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On September 24, 2011, in the vicinity of Union Square, Plaintiff was falsely arrested during a march which resulted in mass arrests. Plaintiff was violently and without justification seized from behind by Defendant Officer Bologna, and additional Officers grabbed Plaintiff, causing her to choke, hoisting her into the air, and throwing her to the ground. Defendant Officers proceeded to hold Plaintiff face down on the street and handcuff her before she was taken to the 13th Precinct and transferred to Central Booking. Plaintiff was charged with Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct, falsely swore by Defendant Officer Vience. After multiple court appearances, Plaintiff’s case was dismissed on December 12, 2012,...

Clarke, Amanda, et al. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 13CV05303, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, August 2, 2013, ended November 11, 2015
$75,000 Settlement
Complaint

Caravalho, Alexander, et al. vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 13CV04174, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, July 3, 2013, ended January 26, 2017
$7,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On March 17, 2012, Plaintiffs were lawfully present in Liberty Plaza as a part of the Occupy Wall Street movement. NYPD agents raided the plaza and the Plaintiffs were arrested. In the course of their arrest, the Plaintiffs were harmed and mistreated. Plaintiff Carter’s arm was twisted by one officer while another officer kicked him in the abdomen several times. Other officers placed him face down in the ground and handcuffed him with his hands behind his back. Carter told the officers that his handcuffs were hurting him and the officers did not respond. Officers lifted Carter off the ground and dropped him on the sidewalk, where he was left lying for approximately thirty minutes. Officers then placed him face ...

Smith, Andrew vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 13CV02900, U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, April 30, 2013, ended October 31, 2013
$17,500 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On September, 24, 2011, Plaintiff was participating in the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) movement. Plaintiff was observing a mass arrest occurring on the street and began protesters shouting "let them go." While peacefully protesting, Plaintiff was arrested and charged with Inciting to Riot. On false reports by the police, Plaintiff was additionally charged with Unlawful Assembly six months after the incident. All charges were thereafter dismissed.