Rochester Man Awarded $375,000 After False Arrest by Police

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A jury has awarded $375,000 in compensatory damages to a Rochester man, Devin Johnson, who filed a civil rights lawsuit against the City of Rochester and a Rochester Police Department officer. The verdict found that Officer Jonathan Laureano falsely arrested Johnson, maliciously prosecuted him, and fabricated evidence to justify an unlawful traffic stop. Johnson spent over 14 months in jail before the charges were dismissed when a judge ruled the stop was unlawful and Laureano's testimony contradicted video evidence.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about police misconduct and civil rights violations in the Rochester community, following other high-profile settlements involving the Rochester Police Department. It underscores the need for accountability and transparency within law enforcement to protect the rights of citizens.

The details

The jury found that Officer Laureano falsely arrested Devin Johnson, maliciously prosecuted him, and fabricated evidence to justify an unlawful traffic stop. Johnson spent approximately 14.5 months in Monroe County Jail before all charges were dismissed, after a state court judge ruled that Laureano's testimony was contradicted by video evidence and that the stop was unlawful. The City of Rochester will also be responsible for attorney's fees and other costs associated with more than five years of litigation.

• The verdict was returned on Friday in the Western District of New York.
• Johnson spent about 14.5 months in Monroe County Jail before all charges were dismissed.

What’s next

The judge in the case will determine the amount of attorney's fees and other costs the City of Rochester must pay as a result of the verdict.