More than 100 file extortion claims against Metro Gang Strike Force
Please click onto the COMMENTS for the story.
posted by Bob at Thursday, December 30, 2010
Custom Search
Thursday, December 30, 2010
A DEMOCRACY TOWN HALL HOME
Do you have a topic you want to discuss at the Town Hall? Email your request to A_Democracy@yahoo.com
“A DEMOCRACY” Disclaimer- While the administrators and moderators of this forum will attempt to remove or edit any generally objectionable material as quickly as possible, it is impossible to review every message. Therefore you acknowledge that all posts made to this forum express the views and opinions of the author and not the administrators, moderators (except for posts by these people) and hence will not be held liable.
You agree not to post any abusive, obscene, vulgar, slanderous, hateful, threatening, sexually-oriented or any other material that may violate any applicable laws. Doing so may lead to you being immediately and permanently banned
THE ROOF GUYS
Mickey's Diner 1950 7th Street West, St Paul, MN
(651) 698-8387
AX-MAN SURPLUS
1639 University Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104
Tel:(651)646-8653
LANDLORD.COM LINK HERE
SHHHH! While we listen to words of wisdom from a wise man.
Conscience is the light of the Soul that burns within the chambers of our psychological heart. It is as real as life is. It raises the voice in protest whenever anything is thought of or done contrary to the righteousness. Conscience is a form of truth that has been transferred through our genetic stock in the form of the knowledge of our own acts and feelings as right or wrong. A virtuous and courageous person can alone use the instrument of conscience. He or she can alone hear the inner voice of the soul clearly. In a wicked person this faculty is absent. The sensitive nature of his / her conscience has been destroyed by sin or corruption. Hence he or she is unable to discriminate right from wrong. Those who are leading organizations, business enterprises, institutions and governments should develop this virtue of the ability to use their own conscience. This wisdom of using the clean conscience will enable them to enjoy the freedom.
Dr APJ Kalam, President of India given during the inauguration of the seminar on “THE EFFECTS OF CORRUPTION ON GOOD GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Previous Posts
- Vintage Minnesota Building converted to affordable...
- Optimism on tap for St. Paul brewery restoration plan
- Flash from the past at A Democracy Town Hall/ Not ...
- SAINT PAUL/ Inefficient snow plowing continues.
- ID thieves zero in on home equity lines of credit
- From the A Democracy Town Hall we wish you all a M...
- Supreme Court to review Red Wing's rental inspections
- Thieves nab new snowblower of Council Member Dave ...
- Unabomber's property for sale
- Larger Inmate Population Is Boon to Private Prisons
3 Comments:
By Mara H. Gottfried
mgottfried@pioneerpress.com
Updated: 12/29/2010 01:16:37 PM CST
More than 100 people have filed claims in a $3 million settlement of a federal lawsuit involving the Metro Gang Strike Force, an attorney said today.
Thursday is the deadline for claims, said Randy Hopper, who represents the plaintiffs.
Zelaido Rivera Garcia, who sued on behalf of the class, claimed he went to the Minneapolis impound lot in 2008 to pick up his car and encountered Metro Gang Strike Force officers. Officers took his wallet and, when they returned it, $100 was missing.
That $100, and the ordeals of others whose money was seized by strike force officers, mushroomed to a $3 million settlement of a federal lawsuit announced in August.
The lawsuit claimed that strike force members "engaged in a pattern and practice of using their apparent authority as police officers to extort cash and property ... particularly from those concerned about their immigration status who would naturally perceive that they had no ability to assert legal rights."
U.S. District Judge Joan Ericksen gave final approval to the settlement Dec. 16. She approved "incentive awards" to the "named plaintiffs serving as class representatives" of $2,500, in addition to any distributions they get from the settlement.
The attorneys' fees won't be paid out of the $3 million and they will get $775,000 to $825,000, depending on how many class members submit claims, another order from Ericksen said.
Eligible to file claims: Anyone who was "stopped, questioned, arrested, charged, frisked, detained or searched ... or whose dwelling was searched ... by a peace officer or peace officers serving on or assisting the (strike force) ... in an incident where property was taken ... without a receipt or inventory itemization, or ... without notification to the property owner of his or her right to contest the forfeiture," according to the settlement order and final judgment.
As of this morning, 118 people had filed claims, Hopper said. A special master will determine which claims merit an award.
Though people have until Thursday to file claims, Ericksen allowed "a window from the closing of the notice period" — until Jan. 14 — for anyone who files a little late, Hopper said.
The strike force was shut in 2009, after the state legislative auditor issued a report that said the strike force couldn't account for more than $18,000 in seized cash and 14 seized cars. An independent review issued later said that perhaps a dozen strike force employees engaged in misconduct, and some in criminal acts, by taking seized goods for their own use.
Although auditors and investigators found what they termed widespread abuses, former Minneapolis police Officer Jason Andersen was the gang unit's only member to face prosecution. He was acquitted of using excessive force when he kicked a teen during a 2008 incident.
The civil settlement is "absolutely not" an admission of guilt, said Kori Land, an attorney representing the strike force's advisory board, in August.
After claims are paid, a "significant portion of the settlement will fund additional statewide" training for officers "about cultural and racial sensitivity, property handling procedures and basic constitutional rights," according to a news release.
People who believe the Metro Gang Strike Force improperly seized their property can call 866-211-0079 or e-mail MGSFSettlement@zimmreed.com. Information is also available at www.mgsfsettlement.com.
Mara Gottfried can be reached at 651-228-5262.
Are you sure this isn't being operated by the City of St. Paul?
It seems our country is in danger of becoming a kleptocracy.
Filed Claim NO FEE: Defendants have to be notified Special Master Mark Gehan Fed. Judge Joan Erickson same Judge who Denied the LandLords Class Action? Duhhhhhhh
www.mgsfsettlement.com
Post a Comment
<< Home