Jury Awards $375,000 to Rochester Man After False Arrest by RPD

Verdict finds officer fabricated evidence to justify unlawful traffic stop

Feb. 7, 2026 at 9:23am

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A jury has awarded $375,000 in compensatory damages to a Rochester man after finding that a Rochester police officer falsely arrested him, maliciously prosecuted him, and fabricated evidence to justify an unlawful traffic stop in 2019. The incident led to the man spending over 14 months in jail before all charges were dismissed.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues of alleged misconduct and civil rights violations by the Rochester Police Department, which has faced other high-profile settlements in recent years related to officer-involved incidents. It raises questions about accountability and transparency within the department.

The details

The incident began on August 24, 2019, when Devin Johnson, then 25 years old, borrowed an SUV to drive to work. Officers surveilling him claimed he was 'acting suspiciously' and pulled him over at an intersection for allegedly failing to signal before turning. A loaded firearm was found in the vehicle, and Johnson, who was unaware of the gun, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon. Video from Rochester Police Department Blue Light Cameras contradicted the officer's account, showing Johnson had only moved slightly to allow the officer to pass, a lawful action.

  • On August 24, 2019, Johnson was pulled over and arrested.
  • Johnson spent about 14.5 months in Monroe County Jail before all charges were dismissed.
  • The jury verdict was returned on Friday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Devin Johnson

A 25-year-old Rochester man who was falsely arrested and maliciously prosecuted by a Rochester police officer.

Officer Jonathan Laureano

A Rochester police officer who falsely arrested Devin Johnson, maliciously prosecuted him, and fabricated evidence to justify an unlawful traffic stop.

City of Rochester

The municipality that will be responsible for the $375,000 in compensatory damages awarded to Devin Johnson, as well as attorney's fees and other litigation costs.

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What’s next

The City of Rochester will be responsible for paying the $375,000 in compensatory damages, as well as attorney's fees and other litigation costs associated with the more than five-year legal battle.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for continued scrutiny and reform within the Rochester Police Department to address issues of alleged misconduct, false arrests, and civil rights violations, in order to rebuild trust with the community and ensure accountability for officers who abuse their authority.