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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT
JEWU RICHARDSON : NO.: 3:08-CV-00438 (AVC) : v. : : CITY OF NEW HAVEN, : JUSTEN KASPERCZYK, KAREN BELL, : WILLIAM WHITE, FRANCISCO ORTIZ, : BRIAN DONNELLY, THOMAS R. : BENEDETTO AND WENDY L. PLOWMAN : MAY 12, 2009
AMENDED COMPLAINT
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT
On January 5, 2006, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Plaintiff Jewu Richardson was
driving a rental car to the Lincoln Bassett School, a public elementary school in New Haven
where his daughter is enrolled. As Mr. Richardson pulled his car into the parking lot of the
Lincoln Bassett School, five New Haven Police Officers followed in three different cars and
ordered Mr. Richardson out of the car. One of the officers, Detective Justin Kasperzyk,
handcuffed Mr. Richardson, and searched his coat pockets three times. During the first two
searches, Detective Kasperzyk found nothing incriminating, but after his third search of Mr.
Richardson’s pockets, he held up a baggie with cocaine. However, the drugs did not belong
to Mr. Richardson. Detective Kasperzyk had planted the drugs in Mr. Richardson’s jacket
pockets while he was handcuffed.
Mr. Richardson immediately protested that the drugs were not his. In response,
Detective Kasperzyk merely smiled and said that the drugs would be his unless he could
provide some information leading to the arrest of a drug dealer. Because Mr. Richardson had
no such information to provide, Detective Kasperzyk and several other Police Officers
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caused Mr. Richardson to be arrested on narcotics charges. Mr. Richardson remained in
custody for more than 14 months pending trial on the false charges against him.
On March 12, 2007, the day before the presentation of evidence to the jury in the
State’s case was scheduled to begin, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation
(“FBI”) announced the indictment of several New Haven Police Officers, including Detective
Kasperzyk, on federal charges. The FBI’s investigation revealed a culture of corruption in
the New Haven Police Department, including a pattern and practice of planting evidence on
suspects to promote narcotics-related arrests.
Later that same evening, Mr. Richardson was visited by his attorney, who stated that
the State had offered to release him based upon time served. Mr. Richardson refused,
demanding a trial to prove his innocence. On March 13, 2007, just before testimony was to
begin, the State asked for a continuance, and Mr. Richardson’s attorney did not object. Two
days later, the State entered a nolle prosequi without consulting Mr. Richardson. Ultimately,
Detective Kasperzyk pleaded guilty to planting drugs on a suspect during a 2006 raid, and is
currently serving time in federal prison.
Based upon the foregoing allegations, Mr. Richardson’s Complaint alleges that
several New Haven Police Officers violated his constitutional rights to be free from search,
seizure, and arrest without probable cause. In addition, Mr. Richardson spent more than 14
months in confinement pending trial, in violation of his right to be free from false arrest and
malicious prosecution. Moreover, the Complaint alleges that the Chief of Police, Francisco
Ortiz, and Lieutenant William White had actual or constructive knowledge of their actions,
but failed to take any action to stop their unconstitutional conduct. Therefore, Defendants
Ortiz and White bear liability for the actions of their subordinates.
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Furthermore, the Complaint alleges that the City of New Haven allowed a culture of
corruption to take hold and fester among the Officers of the New Haven Police Department
(“NHPD”). Indeed, NHPD Detective Kasperzyk has testified under oath that the NHPD had
an unwritten policy “to lock people up, even if it was a bullshit arrest.” Detective Kasperzyk
also testified that he was “told to make arrests at all costs,” and that Lieutenant White, his
supervisor, “put tremendous pressure on us to make these arrests.” Even though the Chief of
Police had actual knowledge of this misconduct, he failed to correct or stop the practices,
with deliberate indifference. Similarly, the City of New Haven failed to adequately train its
Police Officers in the appropriate and constitutionally permissible methods of police
procedure, because the City acted with deliberate indifference to the rights of the public. For
all of these reasons, the City of New Haven is liable for its failure to correct an
unconstitutional pattern of conduct in the NHPD, and for its failure to train and supervise its
Police Officers.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
1. This Court has jurisdiction over this case pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331.
2. Venue is proper in the United States District Court, District of Connecticut,
pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b).
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
The Parties
3. At all times relevant to this Complaint, the Plaintiff, Jewu Richardson, resided
in New Haven, Connecticut.
4. At all times relevant to this Complaint, Defendant City of New Haven was a
municipality organized under the laws of the State of Connecticut.
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5. At all times relevant to this Complaint, Justin Kasperzyk was a Police Officer
employed by the City of New Haven, and assigned to the Narcotics Enforcement Unit
(“NEU”) of the New Haven Police Department (“NHPD”), where he held the rank of
Detective. At all times relevant to this Complaint, Detective Kasperzyk was acting under the
color of his authority as an officer of the NHPD.
6. At all times relevant to this Complaint, William White was a Police Officer
employed by the City of New Haven, and assigned to the NEU of the NHPD. At all times
relevant to this Complaint, White served as the Commander of the NHPD, and held the rank
of Lieutenant. At all times relevant to this Complaint, Lieutenant White was acting under the
color of his authority as an officer of the NHPD.
7. At all times relevant to this Complaint, Francisco Ortiz was a Police Officer
employed by the City of New Haven, serving as the Chief of Police for the NHPD. At all
times relevant to this Complaint, Chief of Police Ortiz was employed in a position of policy-
making authority for the City of New Haven.
8. At all times relevant to this Complaint, Karen Bell was a Police Officer
employed by the City of New Haven, and held the rank of Detective. At all times relevant to
this Complaint, Detective Bell was acting in her authority as an officer of the NHPD.
9. At all times relevant to this Complaint, Wendy L. Plowman was a Police
Officer employed by the City of New Haven, and was acting in her authority as an officer of
the NHPD.
10. At all times relevant to this Complaint, Thomas R. Benedetto was a Police
Officer employed by the City of New Haven, and was acting in his authority as an officer of
the NHPD.
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11. At all times relevant to this Complaint, Brian T. Donnelly was a police officer
employed by the City of New Haven, and was acting in his authority as an officer of the
NHPD.
New Haven Police Officers Falsely Arrest Plaintiff Jewu Richardson
12. On January 5, 2006, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Plaintiff Jewu Richardson
was driving a black Pontiac G-6 automobile in the Newhallville section of New Haven. The
vehicle driven by Mr. Richardson was a rental car, leased to a friend of his. Mr. Richardson
observed that he was being followed by an unmarked black Saab for more than one hour.
Mr. Richardson later learned that the unmarked car was driven by Defendants Justin
Kasperzyk and Karen Bell.
13. While he was being followed by Detective Kasperzyk and Officer Bell, Mr.
Richardson parked his vehicle in front of the residence known as 97 Thompson Street, New
Haven, walked to the front door, and entered the residence.
14. Approximately 15 minutes later, Mr. Richardson exited the residence with his
friend, Juanito Ortiz, and entered the rental car. Upon information and belief, Mr. Ortiz is
related to Defendant Francisco Ortiz, the NHPD Chief of Police. Shortly thereafter, Mr.
Richardson and Mr. Ortiz drove away, followed by Detectives Kasperzyk and Bell.
15. Mr. Richardson and Mr. Ortiz next drove to the Lincoln Bassett School, a
public school located at 130 Bassett Street, New Haven. Mr. Richardson, whose daughter is
enrolled at Lincoln Bassett, drove to the school for a conference with his daughter’s school
teacher.
16. As Mr. Richardson pulled the rental car into the parking lot of the Basset
School, a NHPD patrol vehicle pulled in directly behind Mr. Richardson’s car, which
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prevented Mr. Richardson from parking properly. The NHPD vehicle was driven by Officer
Plowman.
17. Mr. Richardson and Mr. Ortiz exited the rental car and asked Officer
Plowman why she had parked her car directly behind him, but Officer Plowman ordered Mr.
Richardson and Mr. Ortiz back into the rental car without offering any explanation. Soon
after, another NHPD patrol vehicle entered the parking lot, driven by Officer Donnelly,
followed by the car carrying Detectives Kasperzyk and Bell.
18. Officer Plowman and Detective Kasperzyk approached the driver’s side of the
rental car, where Mr. Richardson was sitting. Simultaneously, Officer Donnelly and
Detective Bell approached the passenger’s side of the car, where Mr. Ortiz was sitting.
19. The Police Officers ordered Mr. Richardson and Mr. Ortiz to exit the rental
car. Detective Kasperzyk began searching Mr. Richardson’s pockets, and stated that he was
glad to see Mr. Richardson, and that he had been looking for him. Detective Kasperzyk did
not explain what he meant by these menacing remarks. Detective Bell found a large amount
of money in Mr. Ortiz’s pockets, and asked Mr. Ortiz where he obtained the cash.
20. Mr. Richardson and Mr. Ortiz were then handcuffed. Approximately five
minutes later, Detective Kasperzyk began searching Mr. Richardson’s pockets yet again.
Detective Kasperzyk held up a bag that he claimed to have found in Mr. Richardson’s coat
pocket, which contained cocaine. However, the drugs did not belong to Mr. Richardson.
Detective Kasperzyk had planted the drugs in Mr. Richardson’s jacket pockets while he was
handcuffed.
21. Mr. Richardson immediately protested that the drugs did not belong to him,
and that Detective Kasperzyk planted the drugs in his coat pocket after he was handcuffed.
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Detective Kasperzyk responded that they were going to be Mr. Richardson’s drugs unless he
provided information leading to the arrest of a drug dealer. Mr. Richardson stated that he
had no such information to provide, and Detective Kasperzyk responded that he was going to
jail.
22. While Detective Kasperzyk was interrogating Mr. Richardson, Defendant
Bell took Mr. Ortiz to the back of the patrol car, and stated that “this doesn’t concern you.”
Detective Bell instructed Mr. Ortiz not to say a word of what happened to him, or else he
would be next. Detective Bell took a large sum of money from Mr. Ortiz, and set him free.
False Arrest Leads To Unlawful 14-Month Detention
23. On January 5, 2006, Mr. Richardson was arrested on various narcotics
charges, along with reckless driving. Mr. Richardson remained in custody for more than 14
months pending trial on the false charges against him.
24. Mr. Richardson’s attorney moved to suppress the fruits of any and all
warrantless searches of Mr. Richardson’s person and his motor vehicle, conducted by the
NHPD on January 5, 2006. During an evidentiary hearing on the motion, Detective
Kasperzyk testified that the same vehicle with the same marker number in had eluded him in
December 2005, and that is why he followed it.
25. Detective Kasperzyk’s testimony, however, was false. On January 5, 2006,
Mr. Richardson was driving a car that had been rented by his girlfriend two days before.
Therefore, Mr. Richardson could not possibly have been driving that same car in December
2005.
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26. On March 12, 2007, one day before the presentation of evidence to the jury in
the State’s case was set to begin, several New Haven police officers, including Lieutenant
White and Detective Kasperzyk, were arrested and charged with several federal offenses.
27. Later that evening, Mr. Richardson was visited by his attorney, who stated
that the State had offered to release him based upon time served. Mr. Richardson refused,
demanding a trial to prove his innocence. On March 13, 2007, just before testimony was to
begin, the State asked for a continuance, and Mr. Richardson’s attorney did not object. Two
days later, the State entered a nolle prosequi without consulting Mr. Richardson.
28. Ultimately, Detective Kasperzyk pleaded guilty to planting drugs on a suspect
during a 2006 raid, and is currently serving out his sentence in federal prison.
29. To this day, Mr. Richardson maintains his innocence. In April 2007, Mr.
Richardson filed a pro se Motion to Dismiss, which motion was denied by the Connecticut
Superior Court (Blawie, J.). At present, this decision is on appeal at the Connecticut
Supreme Court, Case No. SC-18145.
Defendant Kasperzyk Admits To Culture Of Corruption In NHPD
30. On June 16, 2008, Detective Kasperzyk gave a deposition in a matter
unrelated to this action. On May 13, 2008, Lieutenant White gave a deposition in the same
matter.
31. Detective Kasperzyk testified under oath that Defendant Ortiz and New
Haven Mayor John DeStefano placed Lieutenant White in charge of the Narcotics
Enforcement Unit (“NEU”), and a number of additional NHPD task forces. See June 16,
2008 Deposition of Justin Kasperzyk (“Kasperzyk Depo.”) at 57, 59 (attached as Exhibit A).
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32. Detective Kasperzyk testified that Lieutenant White reported directly to Chief
of Police Ortiz, and met frequently with Chief of Police Ortiz and Mayor DeStefano to
receive assignments. Kasperzyk Depo. at 65-66.
33. Detective Kasperzyk testified that he received his assignments from
Lieutenant White, who stated on many occasions that “this came from the words of the chief.
Get it done.” Kasperzyk Depo. at 66.
34. Detective Kasperzyk testified that it was the policy of the NEU, under
Lieutenant White’s command, to plant evidence on suspects and falsify written police reports
to facilitate arrests based upon purported narcotics possession. Kasperzyk Depo. at 113-14.
35. Detective Kasperzyk testified that it was the policy of the NEU, under
Lieutenant White’s leadership, “to lock people up even if it was a bullshit arrest.”
Kasperzyk Depo. at 154.
36. Detective Kasperzyk testified that there were written rules regarding how
evidence was to be collected and secured during the execution of a search warrant, but that
these written rules were never followed or enforced. Kasperzyk Depo. at 156-57.
37. Detective Kasperzyk testified that Lieutenant White, as the leader of the
NEU, pressured officers under his command to perform illegal, warrantless searches and
seizures. Detective Kasperzyk testified that officers who refused to conduct these types of
stops and searches would likely be terminated from the NHPD. Kasperzyk Depo. at 122-23,
126.
38. Detective Kasperzyk testified that Defendant White’s superiors knew of, and
enforced, the unwritten policies of the NHPD and NEU, because he was “told to make
arrests at all costs, and that we won’t get an overtime if we didn’t make arrests, that if we
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worked eight hours a shift, and didn’t come back with a body, the chief wasn’t going to pay
you. He put tremendous pressure on us to make these arrests, and White only dealt with the
Chief.” Kasperzyk Depo. at 126.
39. In or about March 2007, the City of New Haven retained the Police Executive
Research Forum (“PERF”) to conduct a study and evaluation of the NHPD, including the
activities and operations of the NEU. In or about November 2007, PERF issued a Final
Report (the “PERF Report”), entitled New Haven Police Department Assessment, which is
attached hereto as Exhibit B.
40. The PERF Report states, in pertinent part, that “[n]o strict policies and
procedures have been routinely used in the department’s narcotics enforcement.” In
addition, the PERF Report identifies a “systemic problem that allowed officers and
supervisors to create their own policies and practices.”
41. The PERF Report notes that there was an official operating policy regarding
seizures of narcotics by the NEU, but that the policy was “outdated.” In addition, the PERF
Report states that “there is no assurance that this policy was followed by the [NEU].”
42. Detective Kasperzyk testified that even though a procedure was in place for
evaluating the performance of NHPD officers, the NHPD did not conduct evaluations of
police officers’ performance during Detective Kasperzyk’s tenure with the NEU, or at any
time during his career with the NHPD. See Kasperzyk Depo. at 69-72.
43. Lieutenant White testified that he never received a performance review from
Ortiz or any other NHPD representative during the time he was in charge of the NEU. See
May 13, 2008 Deposition of William White (“White Depo.”) at 32 (attached as Exhibit C).
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COUNT ONE—FALSE ARREST (against Defendants Justin Kasperzyk, Karen Bell, Wendy L. Plowman, Brian T. Donnelly, and Thomas R. Benedetto In Their Individual Capacities.)
1. The Plaintiff repeats and re-alleges the allegations of Paragraphs 1 through 43
as if fully set forth herein.
44. The actions of Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and
Benedetto, as described herein, have violated Mr. Richardson’s rights to be free from arrest
without probable cause as guaranteed by the United States Constitution, and by Title 42
U.S.C. §§ 1983 and 1988.
45. Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and Benedetto intended to
confine the Plaintiff, although there was no probable cause for the arrest, and the arrest was
not otherwise privileged.
46. The Plaintiff was conscious of the confinement, and he did not consent to the
confinement.
47. As a direct and proximate cause of the actions of Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman,
Donnelly, and Benedetto, as described herein, the Plaintiff was confined for approximately
14 months pending trial, and as a result, has suffered substantial economic losses.
48. In addition, as a direct and proximate cause of the actions of Kasperzyk, Bell,
Plowman, Donnelly, and Benedetto, as described herein, the Plaintiff suffered a loss of
enjoyment of life during his extensive period of confinement. In addition, the Plaintiff
suffered severe emotional distress, psychological impairment, anguish, and embarrassment.
COUNT TWO—FALSE IMPRISONMENT (against Defendants Justin Kasperzyk, Karen Bell, Wendy L. Plowman, Brian T. Donnelly, and Thomas R. Benedetto In Their Individual Capacities.)
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1. The Plaintiff repeats and re-alleges the allegations of Paragraphs 1 through 43
as if fully set forth herein.
44. The actions of Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and
Benedetto, as described herein, have violated the Plaintiff’s rights to be free from
imprisonment without probable cause as guaranteed by the United States Constitution, and
by Title 42 U.S.C. §§ 1983 and 1988.
45. Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and Benedetto intended to
confine the Plaintiff, although there was no probable cause for the arrest, and the arrest was
not otherwise privileged.
46. The Plaintiff was conscious of the confinement, and he did not consent to the
confinement.
47. As a direct and proximate cause of the actions of Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman,
Donnelly, and Benedetto, as described herein, the Plaintiff was confined for approximately
14 months pending trial, and as a result, has suffered substantial economic losses.
48. In addition, as a direct and proximate cause of the actions of Kasperzyk, Bell,
Plowman, Donnelly, and Benedetto, as described herein, the Plaintiff suffered a loss of
enjoyment of life during his extensive period of confinement. In addition, the Plaintiff
suffered severe emotional distress, psychological impairment, anguish, and embarrassment.
COUNT THREE—MALICIOUS PROSECUTION (against Defendants Justin Kasperzyk, Karen Bell, Wendy L. Plowman, Brian T. Donnelly, and Thomas R. Benedetto In Their Individual Capacities.)
1. The Plaintiff repeats and re-alleges the allegations of Paragraphs 1 through 43
as if fully set forth herein.
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44. The actions of Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and
Benedetto, as described herein, have violated the Plaintiff’s rights to be free from malicious
prosecution as guaranteed by the United States Constitution, and by Title 42 U.S.C. §§ 1983
and 1988.
45. Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and Benedetto initiated a
criminal proceeding against the Plaintiff, which was terminated in the Plaintiff’s favor.
46. There was no probable cause for commencing the criminal proceeding against
the Plaintiff. The actions of Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and
Benedetto which led to the criminal proceeding against Mr. Richardson were motivated by
actual malice.
47. As a direct and proximate cause of the actions of Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman,
Donnelly, and Benedetto, as described herein, the Plaintiff was confined for approximately
14 months pending trial, and as a result, has suffered substantial economic losses.
48. In addition, as a direct and proximate cause of the actions of Kasperzyk, Bell,
Plowman, Donnelly, and Benedetto, as described herein, the Plaintiff suffered a loss of
enjoyment of life during his extensive period of confinement. In addition, the Plaintiff
suffered severe emotional distress, psychological impairment, anguish, and embarrassment.
COUNT FOUR—ILLEGAL SEARCH AND SEIZURE (against Defendants Justin Kasperzyk, Karen Bell, Wendy L. Plowman, Brian T. Donnelly, and Thomas R. Benedetto In Their Individual Capacities.)
1. The Plaintiff repeats and re-alleges the allegations of Paragraphs 1 through 43
as if fully set forth herein.
44. The actions of Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and
Benedetto, as described herein, have violated Mr. Richardson’s rights to be free from illegal
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search and seizure as guaranteed by the United States Constitution, and by Title 42 U.S.C.
§§ 1983 and 1988.
45. Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and Benedetto conducted
an illegal search and seizure of the Plaintiff’s person without probable cause.
46. As a direct and proximate cause of the actions of Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman,
Donnelly, and Benedetto, as described herein, Mr. Richardson has suffered severe emotional
distress, psychological impairment, anguish, and embarrassment.
COUNT FIVE—FAILURE TO CORRECT PATTERN OF UNCONSTITUTIONAL CONDUCT (against Defendant City of New Haven.)
1. The Plaintiff repeats and re-alleges the allegations of Paragraphs 1 through 43
as if fully set forth herein.
44. The actions of Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and
Benedetto, as described herein, were part of a pattern of persistent and widespread actions by
municipal agents and employees, reflecting the City of New Haven’s unwritten policy to
violate its citizens’ civil rights of its citizens in order to promote arrests on the basis of
narcotics possession.
45. The City of New Haven, by and through its chief policymakers, had actual
and/or constructive knowledge of the constitutionally offensive practices of the NHPD
officers, and the constitutional deprivations caused by their actions. Nevertheless, the chief
policymakers of the City of New Haven failed to correct or stop the practices, as a matter of
specific intent and/or deliberate indifference.
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46. The City of New Haven’s knowing acquiescence in the actions of NHPD
Officers, including but not limited to Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and
Benedetto, as described herein, created a custom of acceptance of such constitutionally
offensive practices, and is the direct and proximate cause of the constitutional deprivations to
Mr. Richardson.
47. As a direct and proximate cause of the City of New Haven’s failure to correct
the unconstitutional conduct of its Police Officers, as described herein, the Plaintiff was
confined for approximately 14 months pending trial, and as a result, has suffered substantial
economic losses.
48. In addition, as a direct and proximate cause of the City of New Haven’s
failure to correct the unconstitutional conduct of its Police Officers, the Plaintiff suffered a
loss of enjoyment of life during his extensive period of confinement. In addition, the
Plaintiff suffered severe emotional distress, psychological impairment, anguish, and
embarrassment, as described herein, the Plaintiff was confined for approximately 14 months
pending trial, and as a result, suffered a loss of enjoyment of life during the extensive period
of confinement. In addition, the Plaintiff suffered severe emotional distress, psychological
impairment, anguish, and embarrassment
COUNT SIX—FAILURE TO TRAIN AND/OR SUPERVISE (against Defendant City of New Haven.)
1. The Plaintiff repeats and re-alleges the allegations of Paragraphs 1 through 43
as if fully set forth herein.
44. The City of New Haven failed to adequately train and/or supervise its Police
Officers in the appropriate and constitutionally permissible methods of police procedure.
Specifically, the City of New Haven failed to adequately control the actions of its Police
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Officers, including but not limited to Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and
Benedetto, and ensure that all such Officers followed NHPD policies and procedures.
45. The City of New Haven’s failure to train and/or supervise its Police Officers
in the appropriate methods of police procedure was so deficient as to amount to deliberate
indifference to the rights of members of the public with whom the police officers were
certain to interact.
46. The City of New Haven, by and through its chief policymakers, knew to a
moral certainty that its Police Officers would confront situations involving searches and
seizures, detentions, and arrests of suspects in drug possession cases on a daily basis.
47. The situations faced by NHPD Officers, as aforementioned, present such
officers with a difficult choice of the sort that training or supervision will make less difficult.
48. As described above, the NHPD Officers, including but not limited to
Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and Benedetto, have a long and
documented history of mishandling searches and seizures, detentions, and making false
arrests.
49. The incorrect decisions made by NHPD Officers, including but not limited to
Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and Benedetto, frequently caused the
deprivation of the constitutional rights of citizens.
50. The City of New Haven’s failure to train and/or supervise its Police Officers,
including but not limited to Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and
Benedetto, actually caused the aforementioned violations of the Plaintiff’s constitutional
rights.
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51. As a direct and proximate cause of the City of New Haven’s failure to train
and/or supervise its Police Officers, as described herein, the Plaintiff was confined for
approximately 14 months pending trial, and as a result, has suffered substantial economic
losses.
52. In addition, as a direct and proximate cause of the City of New Haven’s
failure to train and/or supervise its Police Officers, the Plaintiff suffered a loss of enjoyment
of life during his extensive period of confinement. In addition, the Plaintiff suffered severe
emotional distress, psychological impairment, anguish, and embarrassment, as described
herein, the Plaintiff was confined for approximately 14 months pending trial, and as a result,
suffered a loss of enjoyment of life during the extensive period of confinement. In addition,
the Plaintiff suffered severe emotional distress, psychological impairment, anguish, and
embarrassment.
COUNT SEVEN—FAILURE TO SUPERVISE (against Defendant William White.)
1. The Plaintiff repeats and re-alleges the allegations of Paragraphs 1 through 43
as if fully set forth herein.
44. At all times relevant to this Complaint, Defendant William White served as
the Commander of the NHPD, and held the rank of Lieutenant. Defendant White was the
immediate supervisor of Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and Benedetto.
45. Defendant White had actual and/or constructive knowledge of the
constitutionally offensive practices of the NHPD officers, and the constitutional deprivations
caused by their actions.
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46. Even though Defendant White had actual and/or constructive knowledge of
the actions of the NHPD officers, he failed to make any meaningful attempt to prevent or
forestall their unconstitutional conduct.
47. Defendant White’s failure to supervise NHPD Police Officers was so
deficient as to amount to deliberate indifference to the rights of members of the public with
whom the police officers were certain to interact.
48. Defendant White’s failure to supervise NHPD Police Officers, including but
not limited to Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and Benedetto, actually
caused the aforementioned violations of Mr. Richardson’s constitutional rights.
49. As a direct and proximate cause of Defendant White’s failure to supervise, as
described herein, the Plaintiff was confined for approximately 14 months pending trial, and
as a result, has suffered substantial economic losses.
50. In addition, as a direct and proximate cause of Defendant White’s failure to
supervise, the Plaintiff suffered a loss of enjoyment of life during his extensive period of
confinement. In addition, the Plaintiff suffered severe emotional distress, psychological
impairment, anguish, and embarrassment, as described herein, the Plaintiff was confined for
approximately 14 months pending trial, and as a result, suffered a loss of enjoyment of life
during the extensive period of confinement. In addition, the Plaintiff suffered severe
emotional distress, psychological impairment, anguish, and embarrassment.
COUNT EIGHT—FAILURE TO SUPERVISE (against Defendant Francisco Ortiz.)
1. The Plaintiff repeats and re-alleges the allegations of Paragraphs 1 through 43
as if fully set forth herein.
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44. At all times relevant to this Complaint, Defendant Francisco Ortiz was the
Chief of Police for the NHPD. At all times relevant to this Complaint, Defendant Ortiz was
employed in a position of policy-making authority for the City of New Haven.
45. Defendant Ortiz had actual and/or constructive knowledge of the
constitutionally offensive practices of the NHPD Officers, and the constitutional
deprivations caused by their actions.
46. Even though Defendant Ortiz had actual and/or constructive knowledge of the
unconstitutional actions of NHPD Officers, he failed to make any meaningful attempt to
prevent or forestall their unconstitutional conduct.
47. Defendant Ortiz’s failure to supervise NHPD police officers, including but
not limited to Defendants Kasperzyk, Bell, Plowman, Donnelly, and Benedetto, was so
deficient as to amount to deliberate indifference to the rights of members of the public with
whom the police officers were certain to interact.
48. Defendant Ortiz’s failure to supervise NHPD Police Officers actually caused
the aforementioned violations of Mr. Richardson’s constitutional rights.
49. As a direct and proximate cause of Defendant Ortiz’s failure to supervise, as
described herein, the Plaintiff was confined for approximately 14 months pending trial, and
as a result, has suffered substantial economic losses.
50. In addition, as a direct and proximate cause of Defendant Ortiz’s failure to
supervise, the Plaintiff suffered a loss of enjoyment of life during his extensive period of
confinement. In addition, the Plaintiff suffered severe emotional distress, psychological
impairment, anguish, and embarrassment, as described herein, the Plaintiff was confined for
approximately 14 months pending trial, and as a result, suffered a loss of enjoyment of life
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during the extensive period of confinement. In addition, the Plaintiff suffered severe
emotional distress, psychological impairment, anguish, and embarrassment.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff prays for judgment as follows:
AS TO COUNT ONE—FALSE ARREST (against Defendants Justin Kasperzyk, Karen Bell, Wendy L. Plowman, Brian T. Donnelly, and Thomas R. Benedetto In Their Individual Capacities.)
1. Money damages of at least Ten Million and 00/100 ($10,000,000.00) Dollars; 2. Punitive Damages;
2. Interest; 3. Costs incurred in bringing this action; 4. Reasonable attorney's fees; 5. Such other and further relief, either legal or equitable, which the Court deems just and proper. AS TO COUNT TWO—FALSE IMPRISONMENT (against Defendants Justin Kasperzyk, Karen Bell, Wendy L. Plowman, Brian T. Donnelly, and Thomas R. Benedetto In Their Individual Capacities.)
1. Money damages of at least Ten Million and 00/100 ($10,000,000.00) Dollars; 2. Punitive Damages; 3. Interest; 4. Costs incurred in bringing this action; 5. Reasonable attorney’s fees; 6. Such other and further relief, either legal or equitable, which the Court deems just and
proper.
AS TO COUNT THREE—MALICIOUS PROSECUTION (against Defendants Justin Kasperzyk, Karen Bell, Wendy L. Plowman, Brian T. Donnelly, and Thomas R. Benedetto In Their Individual Capacities.)
1. Money damages of at least Ten Million and 00/100 ($10,000,000.00) Dollars; 2. Punitive Damages;
3. Interest; 4. Costs incurred in bringing this action;
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5. Reasonable attorney's fees; 6. Such other and further relief, either legal or equitable, which the Court deems just and
proper. AS TO COUNT FOUR—ILLEGAL SEARCH AND SEIZURE (against Defendants Justin Kasperzyk, Karen Bell, Wendy L. Plowman, Brian T. Donnelly, and Thomas R. Benedetto In Their Individual Capacities.)
1. Money damages of at least Ten Million and 00/100 ($10,000,000.00) Dollars; 2. Punitive Damages; 3. Interest;
4. Costs incurred in bringing this action; 5. Reasonable attorney's fees; 6. Such other and further relief, either legal or equitable, which the Court deems just and
proper. AS TO COUNT FIVE—FAILURE TO CORRECT PATTERN OF UNCONSTITUTIONAL CONDUCT (against Defendant City of New Haven.) 1. Money damages of at least Ten Million and 00/100 ($10,000,000.00) Dollars;
2. Interest; 3. Punitive damages;
4. Such other and further relief, either legal or equitable, which the Court deems just and proper.
AS TO COUNT SIX—FAILURE TO TRAIN AND/OR SUPERVISE (against Defendant City of New Haven.)
1. Money damages of at least Ten Million and 00/100 ($10,000,000.00) Dollars; 2. Punitive Damages; 3. Interest;
4. Costs incurred in bringing this action; 5. Reasonable attorney's fees; 6. Such other and further relief, either legal or equitable, which the Court deems just and
proper. AS TO COUNT SEVEN—FAILURE TO SUPERVISE (against Defendant William White.)
1. Money damages of at least Ten Million and 00/100 ($10,000,000.00) Dollars; 2. Punitive Damages; 3. Interest;
4. Costs incurred in bringing this action; 5. Reasonable attorney's fees; 6. Such other and further relief, either legal or equitable, which the Court deems just and
proper.
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AS TO COUNT EIGHT—FAILURE TO SUPERVISE (against Defendant Francisco Ortiz.)
1. Money damages of at least Ten Million and 00/100 ($10,000,000.00) Dollars; 2. Punitive Damages; 3. Interest;
4. Costs incurred in bringing this action; 5. Reasonable attorney's fees; 6. Such other and further relief, either legal or equitable, which the Court deems just and
proper.
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Respectfully submitted,
BY THE PLAINTIFF, JEWU RICHARDSON By: //s// Donald E. Weisman, Esquire Federal Bar No. ct08799
LAW OFFICE OF DONALD E. WEISMAN
50 Hungerford Road Hartford, CT 06103 Tel: (860) 522-0700 Fax: (860) 524-1905 deweisman@sbcglobal.net AND Benjamin M. Wattenmaker, Esq. Federal Bar No. ct26923 John M. Wolfson, Esquire Federal Bar No. ct03538 FEINER WOLFSON LLC One Constitution Plaza Suite 900 Hartford, CT 06103-2819 Tel: (860) 713-8900 Fax: (860) 713-8905 bwattenmaker@feinerwolfson.com jwolfson@feinerwolfson.com His Attorneys
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that, on this 12th day of May, 2009, a copy of the foregoing was filed
electronically. Notice of this filing will be sent by e-mail to all parties by operation of the
Court’s electronic filing system. Parties may access this filing through the Court’s system.
//s// Donald E. Weisman, Esquire Benjamin M. Wattenmaker, Esquire s:\data\worddocs\litigation\richardson v. new haven\amended complaint\amended complaint\amended complaint.doc
Case 3:08-cv-00438-AVC Document 48 Filed 05/12/09 Page 24 of 24