$52,500 Settlement for Man Wrongfully Arrested During New York City Protest
The City of New York paid $52,500 to a man who was falsely arrested on October 14, 2011, during the Occupy Wall Street Movement (OWSM).
Eric J. Russell was a participant in the OWSM. He alleged that at all times during the march he had been “walking entirely peaceably and lawfully on the sidewalk.” Without warning, he was grabbed from behind by three or more police officers and pushed into the roadway.
He was then forced against a vehicle and handcuffed by Lt. Michael Casey and Officer John Baiera. He was held against the vehicle for about a half hour before being put in a transport vehicle with other arrestees.
Russell remained in custody for 10 hours without food or drink before being released with a citation stating he was marching in a traffic lane. At a bench trial, Russell was acquitted.
The civil rights complaint filed by Russell’s attorney, Jeffrey A. Rothman, alleged claims under The First, Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments. The settlement in the case was reached on December 18, 2014. See: Russell v. City of New York, USDC, S.D. New York, Case # 13-civ-9047.
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Related legal case
Russell v. City of New York
| Year | 2014 |
|---|---|
| Cite | USDC, S.D. New York, Case # 13-civ-9047. |
| Level | District Court |
| Conclusion | Settlement |
| Damages | 52,500 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |