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.
'Substantiated': The alleged conduct 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' - 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 4 known lawsuits, $290,000 total settlements.
Catania, Patrick, et Al vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 150519/2021,
Supreme Court - New York, January 19, 2021
Stevens, Reagan vs Difranco, Nicholas et al.
Case # 719484/2018,
Supreme Court - Queens, February 5, 2019, ended June 8, 2021
$90,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On April 7, 2018, Plaintiff was lawfully present in the back seat of a car when she was approached by Defendant Officers, including Officer Nicholas DiFranco, Tax ID 955883, and Sergeant Justin Ellis, Tax ID 944536. Without reasonable suspicion or probable cause, Defendant Officers ordered Plaintiff to exit the vehicle. Plaintiff was then unlawfully searched and, despite nothing being found, she was placed in handcuffs and arrested. She was transported to the precinct, at which time Defendant Officers leaked to the press the false statement that Plaintiff (who worked in City government) had unlawfully possessed a firearm. Plaintiff was unlawfully charged with various false crimes, all of which were dismissed or...
Cepeda, Christian vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 13CV03350,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, July 1, 2013, ended March 26, 2014
$25,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On April 15, 2012, defendant PO Ellis, and others were conducting an arrest of plaintiff’s brother when the defendant officer violently grabbed plaintiff and shove him into a wall chin first and proceeded to use his forefinger and thumb to twist plaintiff’s ear, resulting in a scar. The officers then punched plaintiff in his neck and caused his head to hit the wall, lifted plaintiff from the ground and slammed him onto the floor. Defendants proceeded to stomp on the plaintiff’s head and kicked him in the face. Plaintiff sustained multiple injuries and pain. As a result of the defendant’s assault, plaintiff fell ill and was transported from the precinct to the emergency room. After his release from custody, plai...
Archer v. City of New York et al
Case # 12CV03979,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY
$175,000 Settlement
Ellis Stipulation.pdf,
Ellis.pdf
Description: Plaintiff was handcuffed tightly and punched in the face by defendant officers while in route to a precinct. Plaintiff was denied medical treatment, but eventually went to the hospital and had to undergo 2 surgeries due to his injuries.