Settlement of $1.5 Million Reached in Taser Incident Involving Handcuffed Man, According to Attorneys – Sky Bulletin
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In a recent development reported from Denver, a handcuffed man who was subjected to Taser shocks, including a hit to his lip, has resolved his federal lawsuit against a Colorado sheriff’s department with a $1.5 million settlement, as stated by his legal representatives on Monday.
On November 29, 2022, Kenneth Espinoza was detained after halting to join his son during a traffic stop in Trinidad, Colorado. Espinoza had been escorting his son to a vehicle service session and was initially directed to relocate his vehicle. However, when he initiated his departure, he was ordered to remain. Deputy Mikhail Noel of the Las Animas County Sheriff’s Office brandished his gun before switching to his Taser, an independent investigation determined.
Noel, along with then-Lieutenant Henry Trujillo, employed their Tasers on Espinoza. In September, the Las Animas County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged both individuals were terminated following a Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office probe which found policy breaches, including misuse of a Taser on Espinoza and falsifying the incident report.
Sheriff Derek Navarette of Las Animas County has not provided a comment concerning the settlement when contacted on Monday. Trujillo chose not to comment and contact information for Noel was not obtainable.
The external investigation ascertained that Espinoza did not aim his truck at Noel and “at no point does Mr. Espinoza use any aggression against Lt. Trujillo or Dep. Noel,” indicated Las Animas County Undersheriff Reynaldo Santistevan in an August 10 dispatch to the sheriff. Post-review of body camera recordings and the investigative file, he suggested the discharge of both deputies.
Santistevan confessed to not watching the body camera footage prior to endorsing the officers’ version of the events. Espinoza’s legal action, filed in May, contends that Noel utilized a Taser on him.
Body camera material uncovered Espinoza being extracted from his vehicle, restrained in handcuffs, and crammed into the rear of a squad car. During the attempt to position Espinoza into the vehicle, footage demonstrates a deputy threatening to deploy the Taser, spiced with an expletive. A Taser touching Espinoza’s body is visible, accompanied by the buzzing indicative of electric discharge.
One of Espinoza’s lawyers, Kevin Mehr, articulated that the settlement marks a triumph for Colorado citizens and “delivers a potent message to those who believe a law enforcement badge is a license to enforce brutally.”
FAQs About the Taser Incident and Settlement
- Who was the man involved in the Taser incident?
- Kenneth Espinoza was the individual Tasered while handcuffed.
- What sparked the incident that led to the use of a Taser?
- The incident began when Espinoza stopped while following his son who was pulled over by the police.
- What was the outcome of the investigation into the deputies’ conduct?
- An independent investigation led to the firing of Deputy Mikhail Noel and Lt. Henry Trujillo for violating policies and misreporting the incident.
- Did the Las Animas County Sheriff’s Office make a statement on the settlement?
- No, Sheriff Derek Navarette did not immediately respond with a comment.
- What is the significance of the settlement according to Espinoza’s attorneys?
- According to Kevin Mehr, one of the attorneys, the settlement serves as a message against police brutality and abuse of power.
Conclusion
In an event that sheds light on law enforcement accountability, the $1.5 million settlement agreed upon by the Las Animas County Sheriff’s Department and Kenneth Espinoza concludes a contentious chapter highlighted by concerns over excessive force and procedural honesty. The implications of this settlement resonate beyond the confines of Trinidad, Colorado, emphasizing the essentiality of integrity in law enforcement and respecting individual rights. As society grapples with these complex issues, this case serves as a potent illustration of justice and restitution in the face of wrongdoing.
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