Settlements and Verdicts

Police Brutality

Milwaukee, WI: (May-06-08) David Hollins, a freelance photographer, brought a lawsuit against the city and its police department, alleging that he was unlawfully beaten and arrested for taking pictures of a police raid. Hollins, employed with several African-American publications, filed suit against the city, two police officers and two former police chiefs in federal court in 2005, claiming that former Officer Demetrius Ritt and Detective Charles Libal forced him to the ground, and dealt brutally with him.

Hollins’ suit stated that he was pepper-sprayed, choked, his limbs were restrained, that he was kneed in the back and his digital camera was destroyed during the 2002 arrest. Following sessions of mediations, sources on both sides stated that the parties agreed to a $20,000 settlement, which is less than the $100,000 Hollins has spent on attorney's fees and court costs. [MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL: SETTLEMENT SUGGESTED IN POLICE BEATING CASE]

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