Wauwatosa Protesters' Civil Rights Lawsuit
Wauwatosa Protesters' Civil Rights Lawsuit
Plaintiffs.
CITY OF WAUWATOSA
CITY OF WAUWATOSA CHIEF OF POLICE BARRY WEBER In his individual capacity
DENNIS McBRIDE, in his individual capacity.
AND JOHN DOES OFFICERS in their individual capacities,
Defendants.
NOW COMES the above named Plaintiffs, by their Attorneys Kimberley Cy.
Motley of Motley Legal Services and E. Milo Schwab of Ascend Counsel, LLC,
and complains against the above-named Defendants, and for their claims for
I. INTRODUCTION
which was inspired by the tragic deaths of persons like George Floyd, Breonna
Taylor, Alvin Cole, Sandra Bland, Jay Anderson, Dontre Hamilton, Elijah McClain,
and far too many other black Americans killed at the hands of police.
actions throughout the summer and fall of 2020, which included rallies, marches,
and other creative protests that consistently opposed police violence and
their constitutional rights. Plaintiffs also seek to enjoin the City of Wauwatosa and
Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride from issuing unlawful emergency orders and
Police Chief Barry Weber and other Wauwatosa Police Officers from issuing and
4. Plaintiffs are citizens of the U.S. who were ticketed, arrested, and/or harassed in
protests in the wake of the homicides of George Floyd, Alvin Cole, and the shooting
upon persons of color who have been severely hurt or killed by police officers.
peacefully protest. This Court must check the unrestrained power of the actions
of the City of Wauwatosa, Chief Barry Weber, Mayor Dennis McBride, and the
6. This case primarily arises from the City of Wauwatosa’s Emergency Order
unlawfully and unilaterally passed and signed by the Mayor Dennis McBride, on
September 30, 2020 in anticipation of civil unrest following the release of the
Officer Joseph Mensah’s killing of Alvin Cole on February 2, 2021. The Mayor’s
Order gave rise to the Wauwatosa Police Department’s response which included
the mobilization of over forty-five (45) operational partners, including over twenty
additional state and local law enforcement agencies including but not limited to
etc.…, as well as federal agencies including but not limited to the Wisconsin
Department of Justice, the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigations), the ATF (the
7. The WPD, other Wauwatosa City Agencies, and other operational partners
tactics that were clearly intended to injure, silence, and intimidate Plaintiffs as well
and individuals recording the demonstrations with retaliatory and unlawful police
tactics.
9. The actions of the WPD has often gone unchecked by the City of Wauwatosa. In
particular the Mayor of Wauwatosa and its Police and Fire Commissioners have
10. In fact, Wauwatosa’s Police and Fire Commission in the Fall of 2020 unanimously
voted to change the time limit for persons filing citizen complaints against
Wauwatosa Police Officers to within 120 days of the incident when prior to this
11. Plaintiff Andrew Aaron resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
14, 2020.
12. Plaintiff Robert Agnew resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
13. Plaintiff Kamila Ahmed resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
14. Plaintiff Isiah Baldwin resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
on September 30, 2020. On October 9, 2020, plaintiff was arrested in the city of
16. Plaintiff Raine Cich resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin. Plaintiff
uses she/her pronouns and on October 9, 2020 plaintiff was arrested in the city of
17. Plaintiff Tracy Cole resides, in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin. Plaintiff
uses she/her pronouns and on October 8, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while she
18. Plaintiff Taleavia Cole resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 8, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while
19. Plaintiff Tahudah Cole resides in the City of Milwaukee County, State of
Wisconsin. Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 8, 2020 plaintiff was
20. Plaintiff Khalil Coleman resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
21. Plaintiff Oscar Concepcion Rodriguez resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin. Plaintiff uses he/him pronouns and on October 7, 2020 plaintiff was
Plaintiff uses he/him pronouns and on September 30, 2020 plaintiff was mailed a
23. Plaintiff Anne Delessio-Parson resides resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin. Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 9, 2020 plaintiff was
24. Plaintiff Rachel Dulay resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 8, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while
protesting in Wauwatosa.
25. Plaintiff Erik Fanning resides in the City of Wauwatosa, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses he/him pronouns and on October 8, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while
26. Plaintiff Jill Ferguson resides in the City of West Allis, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 11, 2020 plaintiff was arrested
27. Plaintiff Breon Foster resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin. Plaintiff
uses he/him pronouns and on October 9, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while he was
protesting in Wauwatosa.
28. Plaintiff Joanna Geiser resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 9, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while
30. Plaintiff Joseph Hayes resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses he/him pronouns and on August 14, 2020, October 8, 2020, and
31. Plaintiff Percy Hayes resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses he/him pronouns and was told that he had a ticket for Carotid / Neck
Restraint from Wauwatosa Police which he has never received. Plaintiff believes
that they are trying to give him this ticket for protesting in Wauwatosa.
32. Plaintiff Jose Hernandez Ramirez resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin. Plaintiff uses he/him pronouns and on October 8, 2020 plaintiff was
33. Plaintiff Destiney Jones resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 8, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while
34. Plaintiff Sean Kafer resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin. Plaintiff
uses he/him pronouns and on August 14, 2020 plaintiff was mailed a ticket while
35. Plaintiff Kathryn Knowlton resides in the City of Wauwatosa, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 10, 2020 plaintiff was arrested in
Wauwatosa.
36. Plaintiff Joey Koepp resides in the City of Greenfield, State of Wisconsin.
37. Plaintiff Sonora Larson resided in the City of Milwaukee the State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 8, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while
38. Plaintiff Holly Lavora resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 8, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while
39. Plaintiff Lazarito Matheu resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses he/him pronouns and on October 9, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while
he was in Wauwatosa.
Wisconsin. Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 10, 2020 plaintiff was
41. Plaintiff Molly Nilssen resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 10, 2020 plaintiff was arrested
42. Plaintiff Carmen Palmer resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 8, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while
43. Plaintiff (Juvenile) Palmer resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 8, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while
Plaintiff uses he/him pronouns and on October 8, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while
45. Plaintiff Leah Porter resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 9, 2020 was arrested while leaving
a protest in Wauwatosa
46. Plaintiff Aidali Rivera resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 9, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while
47. Plaintiff William Rivera resides in the City of Wauwatosa, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses he/him pronouns and on October 9, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while
he was in Wauwatosa.
48. Plaintiff Hector Rodriguez resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses he/him pronouns and on October 9, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while
he was in Wauwatosa.
49. Plaintiff Rosalind Rogers resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on September 6, 2020 plaintiff was arrested
50. Plaintiff Nathan Sabel resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses he/him pronouns and on October 8, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while
Wisconsin. Plaintiff uses he/him pronouns and on October 9, 2020 plaintiff was
52. Plaintiff Mariah Smith resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on August 13, 2020 and September 5, 2020
53. Plaintiff Peter Sparks resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses he/him pronouns and on October 10, 2020 plaintiff was in
Wauwatosa.
54. Plaintiff Angel Vega resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses he/him pronouns and on October 9, 2020 plaintiff was in Wauwatosa.
55. Plaintiff Gabriella Vitucci resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on August 13, 2020 and August 14, 2020
plaintiff was protesting in Wauwatosa and was later mailed a ticket. On October
9, 2020 Plaintiff was arrested in the city of Milwaukee after leaving a protest in
Wauwatosa.
56. Tristiana Walls resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin. Plaintiff uses
she/her pronouns and on October 8, 2020 plaintiff was detained while she was
57. Plaintiff Suzanne Wells resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 8, 2020 plaintiff was arrested while
58. Plaintiff Brandon Wilborn resides in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
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59. Plaintiff Katelyn Wojnar resides in the City of Stevens Point, State of Wisconsin.
Plaintiff uses she/her pronouns and on October 9, 2020 plaintiff was arrested in
60. Plaintiff Sonja Worthy resides in the City of Madison, State of Wisconsin. Plaintiff
uses she/her pronouns and on October 9, 2020 was arrested while leaving a
protest in Wauwatosa.
Wisconsin during the summer and fall of 2020 which originated in in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin created after the George Floyd killing which took place on May 25,
2020.
Wisconsin.
63. Defendant Barry Weber is the Chief of Police for the Wauwatosa Police
the Chief of Police for Wauwatosa and in that capacity has final responsibility for
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protests and civil unrest and as directed by the Mayor. Chief Weber is named in
his official capacity for declaratory and injunctive relief only. At all times pertinent
and material to this Complaint, Defendant Weber was acting within the scope of
his employment and under color of the statutes, ordinances, customs, policies, and
64. Defendant Dennis McBride, Mayor of Wauwatosa, Wauwatosa City Hall located
the State of Wisconsin residing in Milwaukee County, within the Eastern District of
chief executive officer, responsible to direct the Chief of Police. Mayor McBride is
named in his official capacity for declaratory and injunctive relief only. At all times
pertinent and material to this Complaint, Defendant McBride was acting within the
scope of his employment and under color of the statutes, ordinances, customs,
65. John Does 1-100 are individual police officers of the City of Wauwatosa, who
ticketed individuals at issue in this case. Their identities are currently unknown
to Plaintiffs but are known to Defendant City of Wauwatosa. They are each
public employees of Wauwatosa who were operating under the color of state law.
When their identities are determined, this Complaint will be amended to name
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this suit.
66. This Court has jurisdiction to hear this Complaint pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §1331
(supplemental jurisdiction).
67. Venue is proper in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of
entities) are therein located, and because a substantial part of the acts or
omissions giving rise to the claims herein occurred in this judicial district.
68. From 1920 through at least the 1950’s Wauwatosa was known as a restrictive
zoning city in which African Americans were not welcome.1 For decades well into
the 1960s it was not uncommon to see signs in Wauwatosa excluding black people
1 https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/solutions/2019/06/18/centuries-old-racism-haunts-efforts-treat-milwaukee-trauma-
epidemic/2580146002/
2 Id.
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Department.
70. As a result of the study, it was recommended that seventeen police officer
positions be eliminated within a four-year time period. As far as we know this did
not happen.
71. Researchers also noted that the Wauwatosa Police “department is overstaffed,
handling.”
72. The findings of the study also concluded that there was an, “inadequacy of
personnel.” In addition to this, it was noted that the Police Non-supervisory union
was too powerful, suggesting that the union relinquish some of its power, and also
called for the City of Wauwatosa to expedite the removal of the then police chief,
Roy Wellnitz, who had his position since 1975. Based on this study, the
See Wauwatosa Times Article January 12, 1989. (Please note Wauwatosa
Times publication is no longer in existence and as such the below articles are
archived articles from the Wauwatosa Times located at the Wauwatosa Public
Library.)
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requirement when he moved out of Wauwatosa. Chief Wellnitz also left the
74. Interim Chief Fred Basting, replaced Wellnitz and served in that role from August
75. Around this time, a civilian clerk named John Kutz, reported to the Wauwatosa’s
Police and Fire Commission that Wauwatosa Police officers were hosting and
attending racist events labeled the Martin Luther King Parties “MLK parties.”
76. According to Mr. Kutz, these parties were racially themed and held in 1988 and
1989 at the house of then Police Sergeant John Bozevich. Mr. Kutz reported that
officers wore nametags bearing the name of minority persons, they advertised the
parties using pictures of minorities who had been arrested, and he alleged that Ku
Klux Clan materials and Confederate flags were displayed at the parties.
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arguments from the officers were that they have a 1st Amendment freedom of
78. Wauwatosa’s Common Council and the Police and Fire Commission from 1990 –
1991 continued with its investigations regarding the MLK Parties while also
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were minimally disciplined by then interim Chief Basting for their participation in
80. Of note, Sqt. Bozevich was given a twenty-day suspension and James Zalewski
was given a thirty-day suspension while the matter was being investigated.
81. This conduct laid bare the public perception that policing in Wauwatosa was
82. Amid this controversy, the City of Wauwatosa continued its nationwide search to
replace police Chief Wellnitz and Chief Barry Weber was hired in May 1990 and
83. Chief Weber was originally touted as a “problem solver” who was hired from Iowa
84. Instead of reforming and ending the racist tendencies of the police department, Mr.
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MLK parties.
85. The MLK parties investigation was closed then reopened and while the
investigation was taking place, Chief Weber, promoted Sqt. Bozevich, who was
the host of two of the Martin Luther King Parties in 1989 and 1990. Sqt. Bozevich
ultimately became the second in command with the WPD for over a number of
years. Chief Weber also promoted and protected many of the other officers who
were a part of the MLK parties and who were harassing John Kutz the civilian clerk
86. Of note, in 1991 Kutz felt threatened and testified to the Police and Fire
Commission that an officer Howard Bacon “fired a revolver at him later to learn it
was loaded with blanks.” This occurred inside next to Kutz’s desk while he was
working at the Police Department. Kutz even reported being harassed by Chief
87. Simply put, Kutz was subjected to retaliation by the Wauwatosa Police and its
88. Ultimately, the Police and Fire Commission determined that the thirteen officers
involved had a constitutionally protected right to participate and host the MLK
parties and all suspensions were reversed and it appeared as though people were
89. Chief Weber promoted these officers through the ranks of the WPD and many
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91. Kutz claimed that Weber harassed him and was surprised that Chief Weber
promoted officers, including John Bozevich who hosted two of the racist MLK
parties at his house, and others who attended the parties while the investigation
into the events were ongoing with the Police and Fire Commission.
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of the community.
93. According to the latest U.S. census of Wauwatosa as of July 1, 2019, Wauwatosa
area.
94. Since April 2010 the population has stayed relatively the same with about a 3.6%
increase over the ten-year period. Ethnically, the population is 86.2% white, 5.3%
black, Asian is 4.1%, 2.9% Hispanic population, and the remainder 1.8% is
95. Despite Wauwatosa having a 5.3% African American population, according to the
arrest data 83% of the arrests in 2018 were of African Americans, 16%
3
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/wauwatosacitywisconsin
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seconds while black drivers are stopped on average 15 minutes and 26 seconds
98. From 2015 – 2017 of those recorded on average 64% those stopped by officers
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that racism still exists in Wauwatosa and particularly in policing. He stated that
community. There are lots of nice people. We are facing a difficult time here. But
V. BACKGROUND
100. Following the George Floyd killing in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020, the city of
Wauwatosa (along with cities across the country), began to experience protests
101. On Sunday, August 23, 2020, Jacob Blake was attacked by an officer working in
the Kenosha Police Department (“KPD”). The events of Mr. Blake’s attack were
systematic racism and police brutality directed at Black Americans. Mr. Blake
4
https://www.wpr.org/wauwatosa-latest-wisconsin-city-grapple-policing-racism
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102. But such police violence against African Americans is not only an outside issue -
Wauwatosa has seen multiple police killings over the past decade, including the
killings of three young Black men by the same officer in just the past five years.
Joseph Mensah shot and killed 17-year-old Alvin Cole at Mayfair Mall.
104. The prior two persons killed by Mensah were Jay Anderson, Jr. was killed on June
23, 2016 and Antonio Gonzales killed on July 15, 2015 all occurred while Mensah
105. From February 2, 2020 through October 7, 2020 the Milwaukee County District
106. After the killing of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, the public was informed on June
1, 2020 that Officer Joseph Mensah was the WPD officer responsible for shooting
Alvin Cole.
107. Since June 1, 2020 Wauwatosa has been the center of several protests while the
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office.
109. Over these months of protests, the Wauwatosa police have responded, often with
excessive force. The Police Department has taken an apparent personal affront to
demands for reform and have engaged in a campaign to harass and intimidate
110. One way that the WPD has done so has been to unlawfully target and survey
of first amendment rights, the WPD has developed and has kept a list of known
and suspected Protesters. See Exhibit 2 (Email, Updated Protestor List July 14,
2020).
111. It is important to note that an updated list of protestors was circling within the WPD
as early as July 14, 2020. This updated list was created before Joseph Mensah
was suspended on July 15, 2020, before the Jacob Blake Shooting on August 23,
2020, and before DA John Chisholm’s decision on the Alvin Cole shooting was
112. The campaign to shut down protestors used by many officers within the WPD of
actively targeting persons affiliated with TPR or others critical of Wauwatosa’s City
Government has resulted in more distrust and has revealed many problems within
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organization.”
114. On July 15, 2020 Wauwatosa Police and Fire Commission suspended Officer
115. On September 30, 2020, Mayor McBride decided that he alone should have the
continue to October 12, 2020. See Exhibit 3 (September 30, 2020 Proclamation
116. Defendant Mayor McBride alone signed and declared the curfew.
117. At the time that Mayor McBride signed the emergency declaration there were no
credible threats to the City of Wauwatosa. At no time thereafter did any credible
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118. Under Wisconsin statute, he lacked the legal authority to make the Proclamation
119. Under Wis. Stat. 323.11, an emergency order may only be declared under two
120. Wis. Stat. §323.14(4)b also provides an emergency exception that permits an
121. Under the statute, when an executive issue such an emergency order, a meeting
123. For reasons unknown, Defendant McBride withheld his emergency proclamation
124. It is unclear why an order to keep the streets clear for fear of violence would need
to be kept secret.
125. What is clear is that Defendant McBride did not want the public nor the Common
126. To be clear, nothing prevented the Wauwatosa Common Council from meeting on
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128. The conditions required under Wisconsin law which permit an executive in narrow
129. But Defendant McBride did not care about state law nor protesters’ rights to
130. His intent was to stop these protests. To end them before they began. To declare
them unconstitutional for the simple reason that they called his and his
131. When Defendant McBride was presented with the opportunity to discuss the need
for an emergency proclamation and curfew with the only entity with legal authority
to declare one, he instead kept his curfew secret. Apparently he did not want the
scrutiny that comes with declaring First Amendment activity unlawful for the sole
132. On October 6, 2020, one week after Defendant McBride’s secret executive order,
133. Although Defendant McBride had put in his secret order that the proclamation
would become effective the next day, he actively denied the elected officials of
134. This is because the Common Council would have denied his request.
135. Since this denial would have allowed protests of his conduct, of the conduct of
Defendant Weber, of the conduct of a police department where one man could kill
three persons of color in 5 years and discharge his weapon 17 times without
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al
136. Chief Weber has been the Chief of Police for the city of Wauwatosa for over thirty
years.
137. Chief Weber knew that the Common Council was not aware of and did not issue
138. On October 7, 2020 Weber instructed the Wauwatosa Police Department as well
unlawful.
139. On September 21, 2020 Chief Weber was interviewed by Wauwatosa’s Police
Attorney Michelle Jacobs who were hired in relation to the citizen complaint
brought forward by Jay Anderson, Jr’s Family against former Wauwatosa Police
Officer Joseph Mensah. See Exhibit 4 (Transcript of interview with Chief Barry
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141. Specifically, in the interview of 09/21/20, Chief Weber was instructed by the Police
and Fire Commission on July 15, 2020 that Officer Joseph Mensah was suspended
with pay. Weber indicated that he was not happy with this decision and referred
“When the city put him on the --- you know, they gave me the order the day
before the police and fire commission meeting and said, you and the city
whatever. I told the city, ‘That’s an illegal order. I’m not following it.’
Because by law I have to follow lawful written orders of the police –mayor
142. Clearly, Weber acknowledged and agreed that he has a legal obligation to not
follow illegal orders, even if those orders come from Mayor McBride.
143. The Emergency Declaration unilaterally signed and passed by McBride was one
144. Nonetheless, Defendant Weber instructed the WPD and other law enforcement
agencies to arrest protesters without a legal basis and for conduct he knew not to
be a crime.
145. The police response was shocking and terrifying. Video footage
shows that the police presence was less about trying to protect the public from
to peacefully protest and it was more about trying to deny people’s constitutional
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146. For several nights, protesters came out to stand up to police violence. They were
met with more police violence. Rubber bullets were shot at people. Chemical
agents were used on people. People’s cars were run into by police vehicles.
147. The Wauwatosa police punished protesters for their speech questioning police
148. On the evening of October 10, 2020, Plaintiffs Kate Knowlton and Dana
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personnel wearing riot gear, helmets, and shields, blocked both North Avenue
westbound, and 76th Street southbound from the intersection of 76th Street and
150. A crowd of fewer than 50 people had previously formed and then dispersed
eastward and beyond the intersection, such that there were no persons in the area
other than Plaintiffs Knowlton and McCormick, who were sitting on the lawn of City
Hall.
151. Plaintiffs were nonetheless ordered to disperse without cause and forcibly arrested
without the ability to comply with the dispersal order, in violation of their Fourth
detained and interrogated before being given citations for a City ordinance
(curfew) violation.
152. At approximately 7:30pm, flood lights were trained on the lawn, and directly into
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police officer.
153. A bull horn announcement stated that Plaintiffs were in violation of Wisconsin
Statute 947.06 for unlawful assembly, and if they did not disperse, they would be
subject to arrest. Knowlton stated that there were only 2 people on the lawn, and
that the statute required three or more people, and again requested to speak to a
154. At this time, no crime was being or about to be committed by either Plaintiff nor by
155. There was no threat to any person and no property was at risk of being destroyed.
157. The WPD declared their conduct unlawful because they had been part of a protest
158. Knowlton again asked about the lack of 3 people as required under state law and
then turned around. Knowlton saw that the line of personnel and vehicles spanning
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of City Hall to the wall of the actual building and was approximately 20-30 yards
away from Plaintiffs’ picnic blanket. The line was “shoulder to shoulder” and
159. Knowlton called out towards that line requesting to speak with a Wauwatosa
police officer. The line continued to move steadily towards North Avenue,
blocking any exit. A bull horn from the direction of Southbound 76th Street then
yelled something unintelligible to Plaintiffs. Knowlton called out that she could not
understand what was said. Knowlton stated that if she needed to leave, her home
was South and she needed to go in that direction and asked again for a
160. The line continued to move toward the Plaintiffs. Knowlton again asked for a
Wauwatosa police officer as the line approached Knowlton. At least four armed
personnel without any identifying insignia grabbed both of her arms and forcibly
pulled her through the line of personnel toward the South parking lot of the City
Hall. Knowlton asked what was going on and asked again for a Wauwatosa police
161. McCormick was following Knowlton and stated to the police, “I’m going home, it’s
that way” and pointed South. Unidentifiable personnel in riot gear responded to
162. Two other riot-geared personnel pulled McCormick’s arms behind her back and
163. Knowlton continued to ask at least three more times for a Wauwatosa police
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McCormick, nor acts by any other People that they witnessed, which could
constitute non peaceable assembly. They were simply sitting on a blanket, in front
165. Knowlton was brought to the back of a Wauwatosa police truck, told to separate
her feet, her book was taken out of her hand, her arms were pulled and held
behind her back, she was handcuffed with plastic zip-ties, and patted down.
166. Knowlton’s back pockets were searched and her cell phone was taken.
167. Knowlton was asked her name and birthdate, which she provided.
168. The police officer directed her to get in the back of the truck. Knowlton asked
why she had been arrested and was told, “unlawful assembly.” Knowlton
responded that there were only two people on the lawn and this was an unlawful
arrest.
169. Knowlton stated that she wanted to speak to an attorney immediately. The police
officer responded, “it doesn’t work that way, you can talk to an attorney after you
170. McCormick was patted down and her property was taken, including her library
book.
171. McCormick was directed to get into the truck without any further explanation or
questions.
172. At no time was McCormick asked her name or any other identifying information.
174. The Plaintiffs asked where they were being taken and were told, “you’ll find out
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175. The truck drove away for some time, and then stopped to pick up additional
person, who was loaded into the truck in handcuffs, crying and asking why she
had been arrested and where the truck was going. Again, law enforcement did not
respond and stated that they would not disclose any location.
176. The truck drove on for another 10-15 minutes and stopped again in a dark and
quiet parking lot. Law enforcement opened the back of the truck and stated that
another vehicle would be transporting Plaintiffs and the additional person to yet
177. A Brookfield police truck arrived and at that point, for the first time, McCormick
was asked her name by a Brookfield police officer who wrote it in his notebook.
Then Plaintiffs and the additional person were loaded into the Brookfield police
truck which only had two seatbelts. Knowlton called this to the attention of law
enforcement and another vehicle was called to transport so that all detainees had
seatbelts.
178. McCormick was then separated from Knowlton and the additional person and put
into the back of a police squad car alone and seat belted. She was not advised
any further, but she was then able to identify that location as Our Redeemer
179. After another transport of about 10 minutes, Plaintiffs, and the additional person
were brought into what appeared to be a police processing room. There were no
181. Two agents who identified themselves and provided credentials for the United
182. The Wauwatosa police officers then asked for social security numbers, about
employment, family history, and if Plaintiffs were members in “Antifa” and “the
184. The Wauwatosa police asking about protesters’ affiliations with the Peoples’
Revolution, a group dedicated to ending public brutality and racism, was a common
theme throughout this week. It has become readily apparent through their conduct
that the Wauwatosa Police have and continue to engage in targeting people for
their association with a peaceful organization on the basis of their speech against
police abuse.
187. After another hour or so, Plaintiffs and the additional person were both issued
tickets for being in violation of emergency order with the name of Lt. Jeffrey
188. According to Wis. Stat. 323.28 the maximum forfeiture for Violation of an
189. McCormick inquired as to why an arrest was made for an ordinance violation.
The officer responded that it is “policy” to “always” bring in parties who had violated
municipal ordinances.
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police van and dropped off at a point of law enforcement’s choosing. The
additional person became upset and asked why she was not free to leave on her
own. Law enforcement then stated that “policy” required law enforcement transport
as a “courtesy.” Law enforcement further stated that Defendant Weber did not want
191. When the additional person cried and expressed fear and claustrophobia in
having to get back into a police transport, she was told that she was risking
additional arrest for a curfew violation, and it would be “safer” to take the law
192. After seeing the hostility of the officers towards this third party, Plaintiffs
understood that they were not free to go and feared that challenging the police
193. McCormick then asked to be taken to “our homes” (to avoid risk of arrest because
of curfew violation), she was told “no, we will drop you off in Wauwatosa.”
194. Plaintiffs were then told to leave the building with two Brookfield law enforcement
officers who would do the transporting. The additional person was walked out of
195. Plaintiffs’ property was given to the Brookfield officers. Once outside, one of the
Brookfield officers said he was going to use handcuffs again and stated that it
was required “policy.” McCormick stated Plaintiffs would rather walk. The other
Brookfield officer then stated something like “forget it, let it go,” and Plaintiffs
were told to get into the back of the truck. The officers then discussed how to get
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Wauwatosa East High School was located there and they could use google maps.
196. Plaintiffs were dropped off at that intersection where Wauwatosa East High
School is located and told they could still be arrested for curfew violation. Plaintiffs’
belongings were then returned and Plaintiffs walked to their respective homes.
197. Plaintiffs suffered physical discomfort and injury, including soreness and bruising
from having their arms handcuffed behind their backs, and significant emotional
distress and trauma, including fear about where they would be taken and what
retaliation.
199. At no time were either of the Plaintiffs provided Miranda warning, or informed in
any way of any legal rights they had incident to an arrest, search, seizure,
200. At no time did the Wauwatosa Police have reasonable suspicion to search
Plaintiffs.
201. Knowlton was specifically denied her right to Counsel though she had specifically
invoked. Further, her Counsel had identified himself to law enforcement and
attempted in person to speak with Knowlton before the vehicle left the initial
incident location or be advised as to her location. This was denied. Knowlton was
202. McCormick was never identified by or to law enforcement prior to her being
handcuffed, detained, and removed from the initial incident location. That is, she
did not have any identification, and law enforcement did not ask even her name
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ii. Plaintiffs Tahudah Cole, Taleavia Cole, Tristiana Griggs, & Tracy Cole
- October 8, 2020
203. On October 8, 2020 petitioners, Taleavia Cole, Tahudah Cole, Tristiana Griggs,
205. Tahudah Cole, Taleavia Cole, and Tristiana Griggs are the sisters to Alvin Cole.
206. Alvin Cole was a seventeen-year-old Black man who was shot and killed by former
Wauwatosa Police Officer Joseph Mensah. Alvin was the third person whom
Joseph Mensah killed within five years of being an officer with the WPD.
207. Both Tahudah and Taleavia Cole were driving in one car and Tracy Cole and
208. After 7:00p.m. armored vehicles and lines of armored military-style personnel
wearing riot gear, helmets, shields, without identifying badges or names on their
39
outside.
209. At approximately 8 p.m. Taleavia Cole, Tahudah Cole, Tristiana Griggs, and Tracy
Cole were attempted to leave Wauwatosa. Tracy Cole is an advocate against the
type of police violence that killed her son and frequently goes to protests to support
210. That evening, she, along with Jacob Blake’s father, had spoken to the crowd about
the need for change to protect Black men from police shootings and killings.
211. While all four Plaintiffs were trying to leave Wauwatosa the cars that they were
vehicles, who were putting stop sticks on the ground in front of their car and the
preventing them from leaving and preventing them from safely driving away.
212. Plaintiffs were stopped by unidentified police officers and persons whom they
213. Several law enforcement officers yelled at Tracy, Tahudah, Tristiana, and
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214. Plaintiff Taleavia Cole was violently pulled out of her vehicle by one police officer
while another officer pointed a gun at her head. Thankfully, unlike her brother, she
215. While Taleavia Cole was laying on the ground and in front of several witnesses, a
216. Plaintiff Tahudah Cole was also forced out of the car and told to lay down on the
ground.
217. Tristiana Griggs was also forced on the ground violently by the officers.
218. Plaintiff Tracy Cole was violently pulled out of the car by several officers.
219. In addition to pulling Tracy Cole’s hair, several officers punched Tracy Cole in the
face while she was yelling, “I’m Alvin Cole’s mother. You killed my baby and now
220. Plaintiff Tracy Cole is handicapped and walks with a cane. She has never been
221. Tracy Cole screamed her name at least four times and officers claimed they did
not know who she was. At one point she screams, “"I can't believe y’all did this to
222. About a minute later, Tracy Cole can be heard saying on video: "He hit me in my
head and pulled my hair. One of these cops over here. My head is bleeding."
223. The officer who was previously heard giving Cole orders responded with, “Well,
224. While Tracy Cole was on the ground, with at least one officer on her back
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225. Over the course of her arrest, officers threw Tracy Cole to the ground, tased her,
pulled her hair, punched her in the face multiple times and put handcuffs on her
extremely tightly to the point that she thought her arm was broken.
226. While officers were violently attacking Tracy Cole they kept yelling, “stop resisting.”
228. Taleavia Cole was recording on her phone the immediate interactions with the
229. To be clear, none of the Coles nor Griggs had committed any crime. They were
not a risk to others and were not engaged in property destruction. They are civic
leaders who were going home after speaking out against police violence.
police officers.
230. After Tracy Cole’s violent arrest she was approached by Wauwatosa Police Lt.
231. Lt. Farina did not participate in Tracy Cole’s assault by other law enforcement
officers and in fact, helped Tracy Cole after the arrest of her daughters, Tahudah
232. Lt. Farina walked Tracy Cole to a bench and said that he was taking “full
233. Tracy Cole sustained several visible injuries captured by multiple journalists who
were at the scene that night while she was being carried on a stretcher in an
ambulance to Froedtert.
42
https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/alvin-coles-mother-arrested-during-protes
t-in-wauwatosa)
234. Tracy Cole and Tristiana Griggs went to Froedtert Hospital late in the evening of
October 8, 2020 and Tracy Cole was treated for multiple injuries she sustained as
235. Tracy Cole’s injuries included a concussion, cuts to her face, a swelling to her
236. In addition to the excessive force physical injuries, Tracy Cole is also still seeking
medical assistance for the extreme mental trauma that she experienced at the
237. Taleavia Cole was arrested by police and the U.S. Marshalls. She was then placed
in a van with several other persons and was eventually driven to Waukesha.
43
without her permission and she never gave them consent to search her phone.
239. Taleavia Cole and others tried to identify police officers but none of the officers
240. Taleavia Cole’s hand restraints were extremely tight and she asked repeatedly
241. Taleavia Cole repeatedly asked the officers why she was under arrest. She also
Stated that she wanted to talk to her attorney, Kimberley Motley but was ignored.
242. After leaving the area, Taleavia Cole was in the van with others and they were
taken somewhere on Mayfair Road where the police van parked for about an hour.
243. Taleavia and others were then taken to the Waukesha County Jail where they sat
244. While they were in the van at Waukesha their pictures were taken.
245. Plaintiff Taleavia was eventually taken inside the Waukesha County Jail building
where she was forced to change into orange jail clothes. While she was
changing an officer was in the room watching her get naked and Taleavia was told
246. Taleavia repeatedly said that she wanted to talk to her attorney, Kimberley Motley
247. Taleavia was told that she had to talk to the FBI. She did not want to answer any
questions of the FBI and repeatedly told the police and the FBI that she wanted to
248. Despite Taleavia’s repeatedly asserting her right to remain silent and her right to
an attorney who she specifically named the FBI agents continued to ask her
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249. The FBI asked several questions like what happened. Why was she protesting?
Why did the Wauwatosa Police Department want her phone? Was she with TPR.
250. The FBI agents voluntarily shared with Taleavia that the Wauwatosa Police were
251. Lt. Shane Wrucke came to the Waukesha County Jail and took Taleavia’s phone
without her permission and without any probable cause that she had committed
any crimes.
253. Taleavia was eventually released from the jail after midnight and the Lt. Wrucke
254. Before leaving the Waukesha County Jail, about four hours after she had been
arrested, she was given a municipal ticket for Violation of an Emergency Order.
255. Taleavia Cole went back to the area where her car was and discovered that it
256. The towing of Taleavia Cole’s car was yet another vindictive response by officers
257. The Towing of Taleavia’s car was in violation of WPD’s Towing policy.
258. At no time was Taleavia advised of her Constitutional rights. But that evening
would not be the end of the Wauwatosa police’s deprivation of her rights.
259. For twenty-two days the Wauwatosa Police Department through illegally kept
Taleavia’s phone claiming that WPD was trying to get a search warrant.
260. Plaintiff Taleavia Cole did not give consent for the Wauwatosa Police Department
262. The Wauwatosa Police Department had no lawful basis to have retained
possession of her phone for twenty-two days and they claimed that they were
263. Taleavia, through her lawyers, requested the return of the phone on October 9,
12, 13, 14, & 15th and was advised by the Wauwatosa Police Department that
264. That since Taleavia’s phone was in the Wauwatosa Police Department’s
her iCloud account which has updated photos, many attorney-client privileged
documents, and other pertinent information to which she has never consented to
265. On October 15, 2020 undersigned counsel asked the WPD to produce a search
warrant for the phone and/or probable cause to keep the phone both of which the
WPD did not produce. A search warrant is generally required before search of a
phone back, Plaintiff Taleavia Cole through her counsel filed a motion to return her
property with the Milwaukee County District Court Judge Pocan’s Court 20 CV
6184.
267. On October 30, 2020 Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Pocan ordered the City of
268. Taleavia through her counsel, also argued to the court that due to the
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269. In case 20 CV 6184, on December 22, 2020 Judge Pocan agreed and imposed
270. When Taleavia finally received her phone, she had it inspected and it was
271. Plaintiff Tahudah Cole was arrested by the police for violation of an emergency
order and taken to the West Allis Jail by officers who refused to identify themselves.
272. Tahudah Cole and others tried to identify police officers but none of the officers
273. Tahudah Cole’s hand restraints were extremely tight and she asked repeatedly
274. Tahudah Cole repeatedly asked the officers why she was under arrested and
also that she wanted to talk to her attorney who she specifically named as
275. Tahudah and others were taken to the West Allis Jail.
276. Tahudah repeatedly said that she wanted to talk to her attorney.
277. Tahudah was told that she had to talk to the FBI. She did not want to answer any
questions of the FBI and repeatedly told the police and the FBI that she wanted
278. Despite Tahudah’s repeatedly asserting her right to remain silent and her right to
an attorney the FBI agents continued to ask her questions. They asked why was
279. Before leaving the West Allis County Jail, a few hours after her arrest, she was
47
280. Tahudah Cole went back to the area where she left her car was and discovered
283. Plaintiffs suffered physical discomfort and injury, including soreness and bruising
from having their arms handcuffed behind their backs, head trauma, and significant
emotional distress and trauma, including fear about where they would be taken
and what would be done to them, from their unlawful arrest and detention.
retaliation.
285. Tracy Cole was not given any tickets or citations on the evening of October 8,
2020.
286. On December 10, 2020, unbeknownst to her, Tracy Cole was placed on the
Wauwatosa municipal court docket for violating an emergency order and resisting
or obstructing.
287. Tahudah and Taleavia Cole were given noncriminal tickets for violating an
2020.
288. On December 10, 2020 Tracy Cole and counsel went to court and asked the
court to dismiss the ticket on its face for its failure to establish probable cause that
an offense had been committed within the four corners of the ticket.
289. Counsel also asked the City Attorney for notification of when Tracy Cole was given
the ticket and he had no answer only to say it was mailed to her providing no proof.
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291. Plaintiffs Tracy Cole, Taleavia Cole, and Tahudah Cole all eventually were given
tickets for being in violation of emergency order with the name of Lt. Jeffrey Farina
292. According to Wis. Stat. 323.28 the maximum forfeiture for Violation of an
293. At no time were Tracy, Tristiana, Taleavia, or Tahudah Cole provided Miranda
warning, or informed in any way of any legal rights they had incident to an arrest,
294. Taleavia and Tahudah Cole were specifically denied their right to Counsel though
they both had specifically invoked this right and specifically named their attorney.
295. Taleavia and Tahudah Cole were specifically denied their right to remain silent
iii. William Rivera, Aidali Rivera, Hector Rodriguez, and Mathew Lazarito
- October 9, 2020
296. On October 9, 2020 William Rivera, Aidali Rivera, Hector Rodriguez, and Mathew
297. William Rivera worked as a security guard at Cricket in 6th and Mitchell and had
298. After work, William Rivera, was picked up by his mother Aidali Rivera, her
299. William lives on 80th North Avenue in Wauwatosa, and to get home it required
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300. While they were driving up North Avenue, a crowd of people started running
towards them.
301. Not wanting to hurt anyone, Lazarito stopped the car and he believed the
303. Lazarito, who was driving, slowly tried to back his vehicle up.
304. While in the car, one of the armored vehicles rammed the back of the car that all
305. The police immediately surrounded the car pointing their guns at the four
306. William Rivera, Aidali Rivera, Hector Rodriguez, and Mathew Lazarito were all
307. Because the car was violently rammed on the back passenger side, the car was
so damaged that William Rivera had to get out on the back driver’s side and
Aidali Rivera who was sitting in the front passenger seat had to get out on the
driver’s side.
309. While they were out of the car they all repeatedly told the officers that they were
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individually and collectively tried to explain to the National Guard and the law
enforcement officers that they were not part of the protests but that they were
311. As can be seen below, William Rivera, still in his security guard uniform is on the
312. William Rivera told one of the arresting officers, pictured below and filmed by
CBS58 News, that he was on his way home from work. In response, the officer,
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314. All four complained repeatedly about the wrist ties being too tight to law
315. Several television news crews, including CBS 58 News, were there and they filmed
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316. The police put Aidali Rivera, Lazarito, and Hector on one side of the street, while
317. Aidali Rivera suffered significant injuries as a result of the car accident and the
318. While waiting for the ambulance, Aidali Rivera saw a person who she believed
was with the National Guard get in her car and drive it to a nearby parking lot.
319. Plaintiff Aidali Rivera went back the next day to the area where she had last seen
320. The Towing of Plaintiff’s car was in violation of WPD’s Towing policy.
321. Aidali was put into a paddy wagon where she was in extreme pain due to the car
322. A young woman in the paddy wagon yelled for the police and firefighters to help
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323. The firefighters appeared to be very angry at everyone and seemed annoyed that
324. Aidali Rivera was taken to Froedtert in an ambulance by herself and she was
325. William, Lazarito, and Hector were under arrest and put into a van by an
unidentified officer.
326. William continued to tell the officer that he just got off of work, was wearing his
327. The emergency proclamation specifically exempted anyone returning from work.
328. Once William, Hector, and Lazarito arrived at the Wauwatosa Police Department,
54
not a part of the protests but were just trying to take William home from work.
330. The Wauwatosa Police Officers continued to ignore their objections and stated
331. William, Hector, and Lazarito were forced to give the Wauwatosa Police Officers
332. William, Hector, and Lazarito all gave the Wauwatosa Police Officers their home
addresses.
333. Despite William giving Wauwatosa police officers his current Wauwatosa address
334. William, Hector, and Lazarito were all forced to sit and talk with the FBI
individually.
335. Before walking into the interrogation room, William who was wearing his work
shirt, was told by a Wauwatosa Police Officer to take his shirt off before talking to
the FBI.
336. When William, Hector, and Lazarito got into the interrogation room they all said
337. William, Hector, and Lazarito were all questioned by the FBI if they were a part of
338. William explained, once again to the FBI that he was working a ten-hour shift and
55
339. Hector, and Lazarito told the FBI that they had picked William up from work and
340. William, Hector, and Lazarito were then forced to wait in the Wauwatosa Police
341. Eventually, at around 3 a.m. they were told they could leave.
342. William, Hector, and Lazarito all asked for their cellphones back but were denied
this request.
343. William, Hector, and Lazarito were all given a ticket by Officer Dexter Schleis
344. William, Hector, and Lazarito asked to use the police phone so they could call for
345. William, Hector, and Lazarito all wanted to walk out of the Wauwatosa police
Station to walk home. As with other Plaintiffs and protesters throughout the night,
even though their detention was apparently over, the police continued to detain
346. The Wauwatosa Police forced them to get back in the car with the police,
347. William, Hector, and Lazarito did not want to get in the police car but they were
56
349. Only because they did not think they had a choice William, Hector, and Lazarito
350. The officers took William, Hector, and Lazarito to 35th and Kilbourn in Milwaukee
which is nowhere near where any of them live but is a dangerous neighborhood
in Milwaukee especially at 3 a.m. They were told by the police that you are
351. The Wauwatosa Police Officer dropped them off on the street and left all three of
352. The next day Aidali Rivera and Lazarito Matthew went to the place where they
were originally arrested and realized that their car had been towed.
353. When they went to Dennis Transportation Service tow lot they were told that
they would need to pay $299.25 to get their car out of the tow lot and could not
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355. They were also told that the reason why the car was in the tow lot was because it
356. Aidali and Lazarito went to the car and saw that it as completely trashed with a
flat tire, money missing from inside, and the car looked completely totaled.
357. They asked the tow lot manager what happened, and the tow lot manager
threatened William calling him the “n” word and pulled out his gun.
358. Aidali and Lazarito immediately left the tow lot worried that they were going to be
359. The City of Wauwatosa police department never contacted them to return their
phones.
360. Hector and William called and got their phones returned a few weeks later.
361. Lazarito was not able to get his phone back until January 2021.
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363. Plaintiffs suffered physical discomfort and injury, including soreness and bruising
from being hit by an armored vehicle and having their arms handcuffed behind
their backs, head trauma, and significant emotional distress and trauma, including
fear about where they would be taken and what would be done to them, from their
retaliation.
365. At no time were William Rivera, Aidali Rivera, Hector Rodriguez, and Mathew
Lazarito provided Miranda warning, or informed in any way of any legal rights they
366. Plaintiffs suffered physical discomfort and injury, including soreness and bruising
from having their arms handcuffed behind their backs, head trauma, and significant
emotional distress and trauma, including fear about where they would be taken
and what would be done to them, from their unlawful arrest and detention.
iv. Jackie Bogenberger, Raine Cich, Gabriella Vitucci, Angel Vega, &
367. Jackie Bogenberger, Raine Cich, Gabriella Vitucci, Angel Vega, and Katelyn
368. While they were in Wauwatosa after 7 p.m. they witnessed the police deploying
tear gas against people to people located at 76th and North Avenue near City Hall.
All of a sudden people started running east down North Avenue towards
Milwaukee.
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Katelyn all decided to leave Wauwatosa and walk to Raine’s house because they
did not have vehicle transportation and the police were not allowing cars to drive
in the area.
370. While walking an unmarked four door truck was following the ladies and a lady in
371. Gabriella and Raine were together and when the officers approached them,
The officers did not identify themselves and they did not have a badge or a name
372. The officers physically threw Raine, and Gabriella on the ground face down.
373. Officer Stephen Schmidt arrested Gabriella and Officer Dan Mitchell arrested
Jackie.
374. Officer Mitchell had Jackie on the ground and was on top of her back for no
reason. Officer Schmidt threw Gabriella to the ground and was on top of her
375. While they were on the ground an elderly couple came out of their home and
asked the cops why they were being so aggressive with Jackie and Gabriella.
376. The cops tackled this elderly woman to the ground who came out of her house
377. The husband then started yelling at the police for tackling his wife
378. As appears to be their policy, Wauwatosa police used excessive force on this
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be understood to have violated any curfew order. They simply stood up to wanton
379. Eventually, Officer Schmidt put wrist restraints on Gabriella which were extremely
tight to the point that their hands were turning purple. Officer Schmidt also put
wrist restraints on Raine which were just as tight and to the point that their hands
380. Jackie, Raine, and Gabriella immediately complained about the restraints
being extremely tight but were told that they could not switch out the restraints.
381. While both Jackie and Gabriella were on the ground, an officer took their picture.
382. Gabriella was carrying a backpack which contained her phone and Detective
383. Detective Warren was teasing Gabriella and Jackie saying, “oh you thought you
were going to get away.” Officer Mitchell and Officer Schmidt took both Jackie
and Gabriella’s ids and compared them, saying “look who we got”.
384. Jackie’s phone was taken away from her. At no time did she give anyone
385. Both Jackie and Gabriella asked the officers why they were being arrested and
388. Raine recalled Detective Warren as the one who took everyone’s identification
389. At one point, in an effort of disclosure, Gabriella told the arresting officers she had
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390. An officer told Gabriella if she had her pocket knife out he was trained to shoot
391. Eventually the plaintiffs were put in separate vans and taken away. In one van
was Raine, Gabriella, Katelyn, and the elderly women. The elderly women
clearly needed medical attention but did not get any until an hour or so later.
392. Raine, Gabriella, and Katelyn were driven by the officers to the parking lot at the
393. Eventually Raine, Gabriella, and Katelyn were booked at the Wauwatosa Police
Department where they had their pictures and fingerprints taken. When
fingerprinting Gabriella and Raine the officer doing the finger printing started to
make fun of the protesters trying to provoke a reaction by bragging about the
Non prosecution of Joseph Mensah as it related to the Alvin Cole case, and talking
poorly about the 3 victims saying he would have reacted the same way Mensah
394. While at the Wauwatosa Police Department Raine, Gabriella, and Katelyn were
395. All three told the agents that they wanted an attorney and that they did not want
396. Despite their invoking their right to remain silent and their right to an attorney
they still tried to ask them questions. They were asked why are you protesting?
397. Before they left the police station they were given tickets for violation of an
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399. After Jackie was arrested she was placed in a van and asked the police why they
400. After they were arrested the officer driving the van identified himself as a
Waukesha Officer and that the Officer did not know what was going on and drove
the arrested persons to a parking lot located on 101st and North Avenue at Our
401. While they were in the parking lot, Wauwatosa squad cars came and take them
to Mayfair Mall by the Cheesecake Factory where they are driven around.
402. They eventually are taken to the loading dock in Mayfair Mall where there
403. Before the car pulled into the underground shipping garage at Mayfair Mall as
404. One of the occupants in the van was the elderly neighbor who was arrested for
speaking out about excessive force, and who became unresponsive. Angel
screamed at the police to do something, which they ignored him and the
unresponsive man for about five minutes. Eventually they did something.
405. Once they were let out of the van and went through the booking process at
406. While at Mayfair Mall Jackie and Angel had their pictures and fingerprints taken.
407. While at the Mayfair Mall Jackie and Angel were made to talk to the FBI.
408. Jackie and Angel both told the agents that they wanted an attorney and that they
410. At the end of the booking Jackie and Angel were not given their phones back.
411. Angel and Jackie were both given the below municipal tickets by Patrolman
Hodgson.
412. After they were told that they could leave the police refused to allow them to call
for a ride.
413. Jackie and Angel wanted to leave the makeshift Mayfair police station but were
told that they had to take a ride back by the police who were directed by the
414. Jackie and Angel did not want a ride from the police and were fine to leave the
415. Jackie and Angel were told by the police that they were going to be driven back
to where they were arrested which was around 67th and North Avenue.
416. Despite Jackie and Angel’s objections the police made them get back in the
417. Angel and Jackie did not have a choice and were forced to accept the ride from
418. The officers dropped Angel and Jackie off with no cell phones around 3rd and
Locust which is approximately 7.3 miles away from where they were arrested and
given day.
420. Plaintiffs suffered physical discomfort and injury, including soreness and bruising
64
distress and trauma, including fear about where they would be taken and what
retaliation.
422. Plaintiffs Bogenberger, Ciche, Wojnar, and Vitucci have been physical issues
used.
423. At no time were either of the Plaintiffs provided Miranda warning, or informed in
any way of any legal rights they had incident to an arrest, search, seizure,
424. Plaintiffs Joanna Geisler and William Schroeder are members of the Milwaukee
6:00p.m.
425. While they were protesting peacefully Plaintiffs were both holding banners which
crosswalk Plaintiff’s were arrested by P.O. Ralph Salyers and P.O. Gee at
approximately 6:38p.m.
427. Plaintiffs asked what they were being arrested for and were told rioting.
429. Plaintiffs were not committing any crimes nor violating any ordinances. They were
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holding.
430. Plaintiffs were then transported to the WPD where they were photographed and
fingerprinted.
431. While at the Wauwatosa Police Department Plaintiffs were made to talk to the
FBI.
432. Despite asserting her right to remain silent, the FBI continued to ask Plaintiff
Geisler questions.
433. Plaintiffs wanted to leave the police station on their own but were told that they
had to take a ride back by the police who were going to take them to their car.
435. Plaintiffs did not want a ride from the police and told that them that they could not
436. Once Plaintiffs were in the car, the unidentified officer in the car said, “Don’t be
mad but my lieutenant said we have to drop you off on 35th and Kilbourne.”
437. Plaintiff Schroeder was given a municipal ticket in the amount of $1,321 for
438. Plaintiff Geisler was given a ticket for Violation of an Emergency Order in the
Amount of $1,321 despite the fact that it is noted that she was arrested at 6:32p.m.
439. According to Wis. Stat. 323.28 the maximum forfeiture that can be given is $200.
440. Plaintiff suffered physical discomfort and significant emotional distress and
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done to her while she was being unlawfully arrested and detained.
retaliation.
442. At no time were plaintiffs provided Miranda warning, or informed in any way of
Any legal rights they had incident to an arrest, search, seizure, detention and
interrogation.
6:30p.m.
444. She noticed there was a great National Guard and police presence and they were
445. While in Wauwatosa, Anne witnessed the National Guard and officers dressed in
446. Anne talked to a few of the officers, who did not have badges or name plates on
447. While talking with the officers another officer came from behind the shields and
arrested Anne.
448. After officers put wrist restraints on Anne she was put in the back of the van
449. While they were in the van, they asked the officers to keep the door open for air
450. At no time was she given her Miranda rights or told why she was being arrested.
451. They were told that they would move the van once it was “filled up” by other
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452. While they were in the van there was an elderly woman with a walker who was
453. The woman in the van practically begged the officers for medical assistance which
455. When the van stopped, Anne witnessed the police aggressively shove several
males of color into the back of the van. One of the young men was very upset and
456. All men had their wrist restraints on very tight and the police refused to loosen
the restraints.
457. Anne witnessed their hands turning bluish/purple and they were becoming very
458. One of the men was having an anxiety attack but the police did give them any
medical assistance.
459. Eventually they all arrived at the Wauwatosa Police Department and were told that
460. Anne was photographed, fingerprinted, and made to talk with an FBI agent who
461. Despite the lack of probable cause for state and federal crimes she was both
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specifically told them that she did not want to answer any questions.
463. Before she left the police station she was given a ticket by the officers.
464. Anne was given a ticket by Officer Dexter Schleis for Violating an Emergency
Order.
465. Anne asked to use the police phone so she could call for a ride and was all
466. Anne wanted to walk out of the Wauwatosa police Station to walk home.
467. The Wauwatosa Police forced her to get back in the car with the police, detaining
468. Anne did not want to get in the police car but she was told that she did not have
a choice.
469. The Wauwatosa Police Officer told Anne that they would take her home.
470. Only because she was forced to did Anne get into the police car.
471. The officers took her and dropped her off at around 35th and Kilbourn in Milwaukee
which is nowhere near where close to where she lives but is instead a dangerous
neighborhood in Milwaukee especially at 3 a.m. and they were told by the police
that you are going to have to find your own way home.
472. The Wauwatosa Police Officer dropped her off on the street and left her there in
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trauma, including the fear about where she would be taken and what would be
done to her while she was being unlawfully arrested and detained.
retaliation.
475. At no time was Anne provided Miranda warning, or informed in any way of any
legal rights she had incident to an arrest, search, seizure, detention and
interrogation.
476. Plaintiffs Nathan Sabel and Holly Lavora were in the city of Wauwatosa on
477. While they were driving up North Avenue they were blocked in by the police while
478. An unmarked police car blocked them in and then they were then told to get out
479. The police officers who approached the car did not have name tags or badges
identifying themselves.
480. The police searched Lavora’s car while they were arrested.
481. Plaintiff Lavora did not give them permission to search her car.
482. While Plaintiff was under arrest she saw another officer drive her car, which was
483. Plaintiff’s car was then towed from Wauwatosa’s City Hall.
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485. The towing of Plaintiff’s car was another vindictive response by officers within the
WPD.
486. The Towing of Plaintiff’s car was in violation of WPD’s Towing policy.
487. The police put wrist restraints on Plaintiff’s Sabel and Lavora which were
extremely tight.
489. At no time did Lavora give them permission to search her cell phone.
490. They were then told to stand on the grass which they did while they waited for
someone to transport them to wherever the police were supposed to take them.
491. Eventually a police van showed up and they were driven to the parking lot of
492. They were then told to get out of the van and they were taken into another car
and were not told where they were going to be taken and the officer who
493. Eventually they were taken to the West Allis police station.
494. While they were at the West Allis police station it appeared as if the police were
annoyed as they were complaining that Wauwatosa did not give them information
495. It appeared as if all of the officers were intentionally trying to conceal their identities
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497. Lavora and Sabel were photographed, fingerprinted, and made to sit with the
FBI.
498. Despite the lack of probable cause for state and federal crimes they were both
499. The FBI asked them questions and they told them that they did not want to
500. Eventually Lavora and Sabel were released by the West Allis police department.
501. Before they left the West Allis police station, Lavora asked to get her phone back
502. When Lavora repeatedly tried to get her phone back from the Wauwatosa police
department in the ensuing days they continued to refuse to give her phone back.
503. She was told that they could keep her phone as long as they wanted and they
504. Eventually, Lavora got her phone back and it appeared to be tampered with and
several months of information had been erased, including pictures that she took
of the police.
505. When they were released from West Allis, Lavora and Sabel were given tickets
506. In the tickets it accurately notes that Sabel and Lavora were both arrested at
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507. Plaintiffs were all denied their right to an attorney and their right to remain silent.
508. Plaintiffs suffered physical discomfort and injury, including fear about where they
would be taken and what would be done to them, from their unlawful arrest and
detention.
retaliation.
510. At no time were Plaintiffs provided with their Miranda warning, or informed in any
way of any legal rights they had incident to an arrest, search, seizure, detention
and interrogation.
511. Plaintiffs suffered physical discomfort and injury, including soreness and bruising
from having their arms handcuffed behind their backs, significant emotional
distress, and trauma, including fear of where they would be taken and what would
512. Plaintiffs Rachel Dulay and Jose Hernandez were driving in Wauwatosa on
October 8, 2020.
513. While at a stop sign, the police surrounded their car putting “stop sticks”
514. Officer Cory Wex and Detective Joseph Lewandowski arrested Plaintiffs Dulay
and Hernandez.
515. While stopped, the officers asked Plaintiff to take the keys out of the car, which
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the car ripping his shirt while yelling ‘stop resisting’ which plaintiff was not doing.
516. Detective Lewandowski continually yelled ‘stop resisting’ but plaintiffs never
resisted.
517. It appears that officers believe that if they simply scream stop resisting, they can
resisting.
518. After Detective Lewandowski forcefully pulled Hernandez out of the car he
519. Plaintiff Dulay was trying to record the interaction on her phone and Detective
520. Officers took plaintiffs phones and at no time did they give permission to search
their phones.
521. Detective Lewandowski later claimed that he thought Plaintiff Dulay had a gun,
which she did not and for which Detective Lewandowski has no reasonable basis.
522. After plaintiff Dulay got out of the car they forcefully threw her to the ground.
523. Plaintiff Dulay was never told why she was being arrested and the officers
525. Plaintiffs hands were bound for hours with wrist restraints which were extremely
tight.
526. Plaintiffs asked the police to loosen the restraints which they refused.
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to.
528. Plaintiff Dulay’s car was searched she did not give them permission to search her
car.
529. While Plaintiff was under arrest her car was towed.
530. The Towing of Plaintiff’s car was in violation of WPD’s Towing policy.
532. While at the West Police Department Plaintiffs were made to talk to the FBI.
533. The FBI asked plaintiffs individually if they, were “members of a terrorist group
534. Plaintiff Dulay laughed when they told her that TPR is a terrorist organization.
And the FBI replied that TPR was a terrorist gang because they went to
Mensah’s house.
535. Plaintiff Dulay asked for a phone call which they refused to give her.
536. Plaintiffs left the police station and were given tickets.
537. Officers told Plaintiff multiple times that her car had not been towed.
538. The next day, Plaintiff went to N & S Towing, Inc. and was told that the WPD had
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540. At no point while Plaintiffs were under arrest was she told her Miranda rights.
retaliation.
542. Plaintiffs suffered physical discomfort and injury, including soreness and bruising
from having their arms tied behind their backs, and significant emotional distress
and trauma, including fear about where they would be taken and what would be
543. Plaintiffs were given a municipal ticket in the amount of $1,321 for Violation of an
544. According to Wis. Stat. 323.28 the maximum forfeiture that can be given is $200.
547. While in Wauwatosa, Mr. Concepcion witnessed the National Guard and officers
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548. While he was on 101st and Lisbon he saw police, National Guard, and citizens in
the streets.
549. As he was driving UBER he tried to leave the area but was immediately trapped
550. While he was blocked in, the National Guard started throwing tear gas at the crowd.
551. Immediately after tear gas was thrown at the crowd unidentified National Guard
members ran to his car and demanded that he get out of his car immediately and
552. He tried to get out of the car and while doing that he was physically dragged out
553. After he was thrown to the ground, they put handcuffs on him extremely tightly.
554. He tried to explain to the National Guard and the officers that he was working but
555. He complained about his handcuffs being extremely tight but they did not want to
listen to him.
556. At one point, Lt. Farina of the Wauwatosa Police Department came to him and
557. This was apparent justification that was used to arrest him despite the fact that
he pleaded with the officers to check the UBER app which they refused.
558. Mr. Concepcion tried to identify other officers but he noticed that they had black
559. Mr. Concepcion asked why he was being arrested and he did not receive an
answer.
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561. Mr. Concepcion was eventually put in the back of a SWAT car and they drove
562. The car that Mr. Concepcion was in eventually met up with another van and the
563. Mr. Concepcion despite his repeated questioning was never told why he was
564. Mr. Concepcion was told to get into the second vehicle, which he did, and he was
564. It seemed as though the police were confused as to where he was supposed to
be taken to.
565. Eventually Mr. Concepcion was taken to West Allis Police Department where he
was booked.
566. While he was there they took his pictures and he was made to talk to the FBI.
567. There was no probable cause that Mr. Concepcion committed any state or
federal crimes.
568. Mr. Concepcion stated to the FBI that he did not want to talk to them and that he
569. Despite invoking his right to remain silent and his right to an attorney the FBI
570. After being forced to talk to the FBI, Mr. Concepcion, he was finally released from
West Allis.
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$1,321.
persons going “to and from work” are supposed to be exempted from the Curfew.
574. On October 7, 2020 when Mr. Concepcion was arrested he was working and
x. Leah Porter, Christina Vitolo Haddad, and Sonja Worthy - October 10, 2020
575. Leah Porter, Christina Vitolo Haddad, and Sonja Worthy were in the City of
576. The three came to Wauwatosa prepared to serve in a street medic capacity and
brought the necessary equipment to triage general issues that people may have.
577. Porter, Haddad, and Worthy were in Wauwatosa before 7pm where they
attended a candlelight vigil outside Wauwatosa’s City Hall which lasted after
7pm.
578. While there they witnessed the national guard and various law enforcement
579. According to the Emergency Declaration, social service workers were exempt
580. Porter, Haddad, and Worthy were serving in as street medics and should have
been exempt from the curfew as they were acting in a social service worker
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581. Sometime after 7p.m. the police were issuing dispersal orders.
582. While at Wauwatosa Porter, Haddad, and Worthy provided waters to various
people.
583. Seeing that there was no need for them to provide medical assistance Porter,
Haddad, and Worthy left the City Hall area to leave to go home.
584. While they were walking to their car shortly after dispersal orders were given
officer in a car.
585. One officer did not have a name tag or badge but had a blue lives matter tattoo on
586. Despite the fact that Haddad, Porter, and Worthy were trying to leave, they were
arrested and all of their medical bags were checked as well as their cellphones
587. At no time did Haddad, Porter, or Worthy give consent to search their cell phones
or their bags.
588. While they were under arrest and before they were put in the police vehicle an
officer took a picture of all three of them with his cell phone.
589. Vitolo repeatedly told the officers that she was not going to answer any
questions.
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591. While Haddad, Porter, and Worthy were arrested and in the car they were told by
the unidentified officer that, “Uh oh ladies it sounds like the feds want to talk to
you.”
592. Haddad, Porter, and Worthy were taken to Mayfair Mall where there was a
593. While they were at Mayfair mall they were booked in by an unidentified female
police officer.
594. While at Mayfair Mall, Officer Benjamin Ziegler also came to the mall.
595. The police took front and side pictures of their face.
596. They were told that they had to talk to two FBI agents.
597. Haddad, Porter, and Worthy all together were forced to talk to two FBI agents
despite their previous assertions that they did not want to answer any questions.
598. While they were in custody they were asked if they were affiliated with the
People’s Revolution.
599. Haddad, Porter, and Worthy continued to tell the FBI agents that they were not
600. While they were with the FBI, one of the agents took a picture of them with his
cellphone.
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602. One of the Dane County officers drove them from Mayfair Mall back to their car.
603. While they were in the car, the officer before dropping them off said, ‘Ladies your
606. Plaintiffs were all denied their right to an attorney and their right to remain silent.
607. Plaintiffs suffered physical discomfort and injury, including fear about where they
would be taken and what would be done to them, from their unlawful arrest and
detention.
retaliation.
610. While she was in Wauwatosa driving in her car and trying to leave and Officer
611. He immediately forced her to get out of the car which she did.
612. Plaintiff Jones’ car was searched even though she did not give them permission to
613. While Plaintiff was under arrest her car was towed.
614. The towing of Plaintiff’s car was another vindictive response by officers within the
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615. The Towing of Plaintiff’s car was in violation of WPD’s Towing policy.
616. A female officer put her hand restraints extremely tight and refused to loosen
them up.
617. Ms. Jones was then forced to go into a van that arrived to take her somewhere.
618. After leaving the area, Ms. Jones was in the van with others who also were
arrested.
619. At first they were taken somewhere on Mayfair Road where they parked for about
an hour.
620. Ms. Jones and others were then taken to the Waukesha County Jail where they
621. While she was in the van outside of the Waukesha County Jail their pictures were
taken.
622. When Ms. Jones was eventually taken inside the Waukesha County Jail building
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officer was in the room watching her get naked and she was told by the officer that
it was protocol.
623. The Waukesha County Jail took inventory of all the items of clothing that they
624. While at the Waukesha County Jail, Ms. Jones was told that she had to talk to
the FBI.
625. Ms. Jones was photographed, fingerprinted, and made to talk with an FBI agent.
626. Despite the lack of probable cause that she had committed any state or federal
crimes she was still forced to sit and talk to FBI agents.
627. Ms. Jones was told that she had to talk to the FBI. She did not want to answer
any questions of the FBI and repeatedly told the police and the FBI that she wanted
628. Despite Ms. Jones’s repeatedly asserting her right to remain silent and her right to
629. The FBI asked several questions like what happened. Why was she protesting?
630. Ms. Jones was eventually released from the jail after midnight and the police kept
631. Before leaving the Waukesha County Jail, about four hours after she had been
arrested, she was given a municipal ticket for Violation of an Emergency Order
632. Plaintiff suffered physical discomfort and significant emotional distress and
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done to her while she was being unlawfully arrested and detained.
retaliation.
634. At no time was Plaintiff provided the Miranda warning, or informed in any way of
any legal rights she had incident to an arrest, search, seizure, detention and
interrogation.
635. Plaintiffs Erik Fanning and Sonora Larson are activists who were in the City of
636. While Plaintiffs Fanning and Larson were trying to leave Wauwatosa the car that
(corner of Milwaukee Avenue & Wauwatosa Avenue), where they were stopped by
unidentified police officers and persons whom he believes were with the National
Guard.
637. Also, while Plaintiff’s were trying to leave Wauwatosa law enforcement officers
threw stop spike strips in front of and between the tires of the car which prevented
638. Several law enforcement officers including Detective James Short threatened to
break the windows of the car, pointed rifle(s) at the rear driver-side window, and
used excessive force to physically pull Plaintiffs Fanning and Larson out of the car.
639. Plaintiffs were forcefully pulled out of the car. Fanning was dragged across
85
640. Plaintiff’s phones were taken by law enforcement officers with no explanation as
641. Plaintiffs were then made to get into a Wauwatosa Police Department van parked
near this staging ground. Plaintiffs Larson and Fanning were next taken to
unknown rendezvous point, then placed in a Waukesha County Jail van driven
and taken to the Waukesha County Jail by Officer Maria Albiter and a Waukesha
642. Plaintiffs were forced to be in close proximity of each other and other persons
arrested, while their hands were tightly bound in zip ties for hours.
643. Plaintiffs were around different police officers, who refused to identify
themselves, and who were not wearing masks and who also refused to give them
masks.
644. While at the Waukesha County Jail, Plaintiffs Larson and Fanning were told that
645. While at the Waukesha County Jail Plaintiffs were made to change into inmate
clothing, photographed, fingerprinted, and made to talk with several FBI agents
646. Plaintiff Larson was made to take all of her clothes off in the presence of an
Officer which was meant to humiliate her as such is not normal procedure for a
86
647. Despite the lack of probable cause that Plaintiffs had committed any state or
federal crimes, they were both individually forced to sit and talk to FBI agents.
648. Plaintiffs were told that they had to talk to the FBI. They did not want to answer
649. Despite Plaintiff’s repeated assertions of their right to remain silent and their right
650. The FBI asked several questions like what happened? Who did you travel with?
Why were they protesting? Who led the protests? Are you a member of TPR?
651. While at the Waukesha County Jail for hours, Plaintiffs were denied water and
652. Plaintiffs were eventually released from the jail around 1:00a.m. and Officer
Arbiter told them that Wauwatosa needed their phones for “evidence.”
653. The Waukesha Police officers did not allow them to call for a ride and released
654. Plaintiffs suffered physical injuries, discomfort, and significant emotional distress
and trauma, including the fear about where they would be taken and what would
656. At no time were Plaintiffs given their Miranda warning, or informed in any way of
any legal rights they had incident to an arrest, search, seizure, detention and
87
Wauwatosa.
658. While he was trying to leave Wauwatosa at around 8:30p.m. he was violently
themselves.
660. The unidentified officers put zip ties on Plaintiff extremely tight for at least an
hour.
661. Plaintiff was photographed, booked, and fingerprinted while he was at the
WPD.
662. Eventually, plaintiff was taken to the Wauwatosa Police station where he was
questioned.
663. Before he was questioned by the FBI he stated that he wanted his lawyer,
Kimberley Motley.
664. Despite plaintiff invoking his right to remain silent the FBI continued to question
him.
665. After he was questioned by the FBI, he was then questioned by Wauwatosa’s
666. Before being questioned by Detective Joseph Lewandowki, plaintiff stated that he
88
667. Despite his invoking his constitutional right to remain silent, Detective
668. Plaintiff felt that he had no choice but to talk to Detective Lewandowski.
669. The interrogation of Detective Lewandowski and Plaintiff occurred after 2:00a.m.
670. The Wauwatosa Police Department released the video of the interrogation to the
671. Detective Lewandowski was wearing a blue lives matter mask throughout this
from Kimberley Motley being his lawyer and made disparaging remarks to him.
“But that’s what The People’s Revolution is doing to Joe Mensah. They
don’t have the facts. They’re at least not willing to talk about the facts. But
yet they’re terrorizing the city of Wauwatosa because they’re pissed off
because the D.A. didn’t rule the way that they wanted. So, you all are
lucky because you were able to uh, you were able to uh, get our chicken
shit mayor to do what you all wanted to do and telling us if he stopped and
then that’s pissing People’s Revolution off, that- and then now here we
are, right? And you know what the worst part of this is? This all started
89
family, “I can get you money.” You know why? ‘Cause they always do. She
is victimizing those families even worse than what Joe Mensah’s doing. ‘
‘Cause she, I guarantee you, she promised them everything under the
sun, “We’re gonna get this, we’re gonna get this, we’re gonna get ‘em
fired, we’re gonna get the chief fired.” She told you all this, didn’t she?
She’s gonna get the family money. She told you all this, didn’t she? What
just happened? He was ruled justified. You think the family’s getting
money? You think, you think Mensah’s gettin’ fired? you think Chief
Weber’s getting fired? And you know what the messed up thing is? She
knew this was gonna happen from day number one. So who do you think
the real crook is here? She knew exactly how the DA’s office was gonna
rule. Why? ‘Cause she was with the family from day number one. You
think this is the first time she’s been involved in an officer-related use of
force thing? She knows what they have to prove to, to whether or not they
charge someone or not. And I gotta tell ya, I am aware of all of the
specifics of all three incidents and all three incidents are justified.
But I’ll tell you what, this is the most cleanest cop one of them all as far as
justification goes, and she knew this. But that didn’t stop her from coming
and saying, “Hey I can get ya this. I can do this.” Why do you think she did
90
676. At the end of the interview, Plaintiff’s inside of his mouth was swabbed and
Detective Lewandowski took saliva samples for the purposes getting his DNA.
retaliation.
678. Plaintiffs suffered physical discomfort and injury, including soreness and bruising
from having his arms tied behind his back, and significant emotional distress and
trauma, including fear about where he would be taken and what would be done to
679. Plaintiff was eventually given a municipal ticket in the amount of $1,321 for
680. According to Wis. Stat. 323.28 the maximum forfeiture that can be given is $200.
681. Jill Ferguson is an activist who was filming people protesting in Wauwatosa on
682. At around 7:30p.m. Plaintiff was videotaping the interactions between the police
683. Plaintiff’s car has numerous bumper stickers regarding a wide variety of social
justice issues.
685. While driving, there were about six unmarked vehicles who stopped and
91
686. After they stopped her car, they asked her to step out of her car and immediately
687. They forcefully pushed her on the trunk of car and put handcuffs on her
extremely tight.
688. Plaintiff was purportedly arrested for a noncriminal ordinance violation and asked
that they loosen the handcuffs, which they did not, as she has severe arthritis in
her hands.
689. Police at the scene taunted her as to why was supporting a terrorist group -
690. Police at the scene asked her why she was associating with “thugs” in TPR and
BLM.
691. At no time did the officers identify themselves and they had black tape over their
names.
692. The video that plaintiff was recording was erased from her phone by the police.
693. At no time did she give the officers permission to search her phone.
694. Eventually she was taken to the Wauwatosa Police Department where she was
695. Despite asserting her right to remain silent, the FBI asked her if she, “was a
696. Plaintiff wanted to leave the police station on her own but was told that she had to
take a ride back by the police who were going to take her to her car.
92
698. Despite Plaintiff’s objections the police made her get back in the police car
699. Officers told Plaintiff that her car had not been towed.
700. While Plaintiff was under arrest her car was towed.
701. The towing of Plaintiff’s car was another vindictive response by officers within the
WPD.
702. The Towing of Plaintiff’s car was in violation of WPD’s Towing policy.
703. The officers dropped Plaintiff off miles away from her car, with no cell phone, after
2 a.m.
retaliation.
705. Plaintiff suffered physical discomfort and injury, including soreness and bruising
from having her arms tied behind her back, and significant emotional distress and
trauma, including fear about where she would be taken and what would be done
706. Plaintiff was eventually given a municipal ticket in the amount of $1,321 for
707. According to Wis. Stat. 323.28 the maximum forfeiture that can be given is $200.
708. The next day, Plaintiff went to Dennis Towing and Transportation and was told
709. Plaintiff had to pay $157.75 to get her car out of the tow lot.
93
711. Plaintiff Sparks was attempting to film protesting in the City of Wauwatosa on
712. He rode his bicycle near the Wauwatosa Library and then noticed an unmarked
car with their lights off, driving very fast next to him.
713. He thought that they were counter protestors and he was near a cemetery near
714. It appeared as though he was being kettled toward the cemetery and all of a
sudden several people in military fatigues came running out of the area yelling at
him to stop.
715. Some other guys came and they jumped him and then they cuffed him tightly never
716. Plaintiff told them that they never announced themselves as police officers.
717. Plaintiff was then dragged into the cemetery where the officers started beating and
kicking him.
719. Police kept bending plaintiff’s knee back which was extremely painful.
720. The officers at the scene also damaged plaintiff’s bike which made it immobile and
721. The officers at the scene refused to identify themselves as he was repeatedly
94
724. Plaintiff was made to talk to the FBI despite their being no probable cause that he
725. Plaintiff was eventually given a municipal ticket in the amount of $1,321 for
726. According to Wis. Stat. 323.28 the maximum forfeiture that can be given is $200.
727. Plaintiff suffered physical discomfort and injury, including soreness and bruising
from his arms being handcuffed behind his backs, and significant emotional
distress and trauma, including fear about what would be done to him, from his
retaliation.
any way of any legal rights he had incident to an arrest, search, seizure, detention,
and interrogation.
730. Carmen Palmer and her two teenaged children, were in Wauwatosa protesting on
October 8, 2020.
95
numerous, unidentifiable law enforcement vehicles and stop spike strips were
thrown in front of her car forcing her to stop and preventing her from leaving.
732. Police then pointed guns at Plaintiff Palmer and her two children and forced them
733. Plaintiffs were all forcefully pulled out of the car and thrown down on the ground.
734. Plaintiff’s kids were trying to record the incident but the police stopped them.
735. Plaintiff told the officers that she wanted to call someone to get her children and
736. The police put handcuffs on Plaintiffs which were extremely tight and they refused
to loosen up.
737. Officers took all the phones of the Plaintiffs and refused to return it to them
738. Eventually Plaintiffs were taken to the West Allis police station.
739. Plaintiff was photographed, fingerprinted, and made to sit with the FBI.
740. Plaintiff was made to talk to the FBI despite their being no probable cause that she
741. Eventually Plaintiffs were released by the West Allis police department.
742. There were no acts by Plaintiffs, nor acts by any other people that the Plaintiff’s
witnessed, which could constitute non peaceable assembly. They were simply
743. When Plaintiffs were eventually released from West Allis each of them were given
96
744. According to Wis. Stat. 323.28 the maximum forfeiture for Violation of an
745. Plaintiff Palmer’s car was towed at the direction of the WPD.
746. The Towing of Plaintiff’s car was in violation of WPD’s Towing policy.
747. When plaintiff went to get her car out of the tow lot she saw that it had been
748. Plaintiff did not give anyone permission to search her car.
retaliation.
750. At no time were Plaintiffs provided with their Miranda warning, or informed in any
way of any legal rights they had incident to an arrest, search, seizure, detention
and interrogation.
751. Plaintiffs suffered physical discomfort and injury, including soreness and bruising
from having their arms handcuffed behind their backs, significant emotional
distress and trauma, including fear of where they would be taken and what would
752. Plaintiff was in the city of Wauwatosa on October 10, 2020 peacefully protesting.
754. Plaintiff’s Nilssen’s wrist restraints were extremely tight and the officers did not
seem to care.
755. Plaintiff was put in a van with two other women, identified as Dana McCormick
97
758. Plaintiff was eventually taken to the WPD and while there, she was
759. Despite the lack of probable cause that Plaintiff had committed any state or
Federal crimes she was still forced to sit and talk to FBI agents.
760. Plaintiff was told that she had to talk to the FBI despite her stating that she did
761. Despite Plaintiff’s repeated assertions of her right to remain silent and her right to
762. Plaintiff complained to the FBI agents of getting hit with rubber bullets and being
tear gassed.
763. The FBI asked several questions like what happened. Why was she protesting?
764. After the questions, Plaintiff was told by the officers that she would be leaving in
765. Plaintiff Nilssen was upset and asked why she would not be free to leave on her
own.
766. The unidentified Law enforcement officer stated that “policy” required law
Defendant Weber did not want people gathering at the police station.
767. Plaintiff Nilssen was told that if she continued to be upset that she would be
98
768. Plaintiff was walked out of the parking lot accompanied by a police officer.
769. Plaintiffs were eventually released from the jail and the police kept her phones
770. Plaintiffs were dropped off at that intersection where Wauwatosa East High
School is located and told they could still be arrested for curfew violation. Plaintiffs’
belongings were then returned and Plaintiffs walked to their respective homes.
771. Plaintiffs suffered physical discomfort and injury, including soreness and bruising
from having their arms handcuffed behind their backs, and significant emotional
distress and trauma, including fear about where they would be taken and what
retaliation.
773. Plaintiff was given a ticket for Violation of an Emergency Order in the amount of
$1,321.
774. According to Wis. Stat. 323.28 the maximum forfeiture that can be given is $200.
775. At no time was Plaintiff provided Miranda warning, or informed in any way of
any legal rights she had incident to an arrest, search, seizure, detention and
interrogation.
99
stop spike strips were thrown in front of her car forcing her to stop and preventing
778. The police put wrist restraints on Plaintiff which was extremely tight and they
779. Eventually a police van showed up and they were driven to the parking lot of what
780. She was then told to get out of the van and taken into another car and was not told
where she was going to be taken and the officers who transported her did not
identify themselves.
781. Eventually she was taken to the West Allis police station.
782. Plaintiff was photographed, fingerprinted, and made to sit with the FBI.
783. Plaintiff was made to talk to the FBI despite their being no probable cause that she
784. Eventually Plaintiff Wells was released by the West Allis police department.
785. She was told that they could keep her phone as long as they wanted and they were
786. Eventually, Plaintiff Wells got her phone back and it appeared to be tampered with.
787. When Plaintiff was eventually released from she was given a violation of an
100
789. Plaintiff Wells car was towed at the direction of the WPD.
790. The Towing of Plaintiff’s car was in violation of WPD’s Towing policy.
retaliation.
792. At no time was Plaintiff provided with their Miranda warning, or informed in any
way of any legal rights they had incident to an arrest, search, seizure, detention
and interrogation.
793. Plaintiff suffered physical discomfort and injury, including soreness and bruising
from having their arms handcuffed behind their backs, significant emotional
distress and trauma, including fear of where they would be taken and what would
i. Khalil Coleman - August 13, August 14, 2020, September 17, and
794. Plaintiff Khalil Coleman was in Wauwatosa on August 13, August 14, 2020,
September 17, and September 29, 2020 peacefully protesting for police
accountability.
795. On all four dates of August 13, August 14, 2020, September 17, and September
101
mailed municipal tickets for Obstruction in the amounts of $1321 and $691.
797. A few weeks after the September 17 and September 29, 2020 protests Plaintiff
was mailed municipal tickets for Special Events Permit Required in the amounts
of $1321.
798. The Wauwatosa Police Department lacked probable cause in giving Plaintiff
799. Ticketing Plaintiff without any justification, was done in accordance with the
WPD’s custom and practice of retaliation and targeting purported leaders who
800. On January 7, 2021 the Wauwatosa Police Department through its officer Lt.
Joseph Roy electronically released a huge file to journalists, lawyers, and other
801. It was within this release of documents that Plaintiff discovered that WPD had a
802. Plaintiff was never arrested nor booked by the WPD on any of the four dates that
803. Creating a false arrest record of Plaintiff and then releasing to the public without
any justification, was done in accordance with the WPD’s de-facto policy,
record the police violating Plaintiff’s equal protection rights, due process rights,
102
804. Plaintiff Mariah was in Wauwatosa on August 13, 2020 peacefully protesting for
police accountability.
805. The Wauwatosa Police Department lacked probable cause in giving Plaintiff
807. The Wauwatosa Police Department lacked probable cause in giving Plaintiff
808. Ticketing Plaintiff without any justification, was done in accordance with the
violating person’s equal protection rights and plaintiff’s right to peacefully protest.
809. On January 7, 2021 the Wauwatosa Police Department through its officer Lt.
Joseph Roy electronically released a huge file to journalists, lawyers, and other
810. It was within this release of documents that Plaintiff discovered that Wauwatosa
Police Department had an arrest and booking record for Plaintiff Smith on
8/13/20.
811. Plaintiff was not arrested nor booked by the WPD on 8/13/20.
812. Creating a false arrest record of Plaintiff and then releasing to the public without
any justification was done in accordance with the WPD’s de-facto policy,
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equal protection rights, due process rights, and plaintiff’s right to peacefully protest.
iii. Brandon Wilborn – August 14, 2020 and September 30, 2020
813. Plaintiff Brandon Wilborn was in Wauwatosa on August 14, 2020 and September
814. A few weeks after participating in the August 14, 2020 protest Plaintiff was
mailed a ticket for Special Event Permit Required in the amount of $691.00.
815. The Wauwatosa Police Department lacked probable cause in giving Plaintiff
817. A few weeks after participating in the September 30, 2020 protest Plaintiff was
amount of $1,321.00.
818. Ticketing Plaintiff without any justification, was done in accordance with the
violating person’s equal protection rights and plaintiff’s right to peacefully protest.
819. On January 7, 2021 the Wauwatosa Police Department through its officer Lt.
Joseph Roy electronically released its arrests and booking records of persons
from the Summer and Fall of 2020 file to journalists, lawyers, and other members
of the community.
820. It was within this release of documents that Plaintiff discovered that the
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822. Creating a false arrest record of Plaintiff and then releasing to the public
without any justification, was done in accordance with the WPD’s de-facto
823. Plaintiff Andrew Aaron was protesting in Wauwatosa on August 13, 2020 and July
7, 2020.
824. While protesting on August 13, 2020, Plaintiff was identified as a “leader of TPR”
825. Plaintiff routinely was working to make sure that protestors were safe and would
826. While standing on his bicycle Plaintiff was tackled to the ground by three
827. Police arrested Plaintiff at the scene and took his Go Pro camera.
828. At the police station Plaintiff complained about the excessive force that was used
829. Plaintiff was photographed, fingerprinted, and booked at the WPD on August 13,
2020.
830. There was no probable cause that he had committed any state crimes to justify
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833. Plaintiff was given a Disorderly Conduct municipal ticket in the amount of $1,321
834. Plaintiff suffered physical discomfort and injury, including soreness and bruising
from his arms being handcuffed behind his back, and significant emotional
distress and trauma, including fear about what would be done to him, from his
retaliation.
any way of any legal rights he had incident to an arrest, search, seizure, detention
and interrogation.
838. While protesting plaintiff was arrested and given three tickets in retaliation for
protesting. Failure to Yield in the amount of $250, violation of red traffic light in the
$691.00.
839. The Wauwatosa Police Department lacked probable cause in giving Plaintiff
840. Ticketing Plaintiff without any justification, was done in accordance with the
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violating person’s equal protection rights and plaintiff’s right to peacefully protest.
841. Plaintiff Sean Kafer was in Wauwatosa on August 14, 2020 filming people
842. On this date he never spoke or interacted with the Wauwatosa Police
Department
843. A few weeks later Plaintiff was mailed a municipal ticket for Obstruction False
844. The Wauwatosa Police Department lacked probable cause in giving Plaintiff
845. Ticketing Plaintiff without any justification, was done in accordance with the
violating person’s equal protection rights and plaintiff’s right to peacefully protest.
846. On January 7, 2021 the Wauwatosa Police Department through its officer Lt.
Joseph Roy electronically released a huge file to journalists, lawyers, and other
847. It was within this release of documents that Plaintiff discovered that WPD had a
848. Plaintiff has never been arrested nor booked by the WPD.
849. Creating a false arrest record of Plaintiff and then releasing to the public without
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record the police violating Plaintiff’s equal protection rights, due process rights, and
850. Plaintiff Steven Conklin was in Wauwatosa on September 30, 2020 peacefully
851. On this date he never spoke or interacted with any officers in the WPD.
853. A few weeks after this peaceful protest Plaintiff was mailed a ticket for Special
854 The Wauwatosa Police Department lacked probable cause in giving Plaintiff.
855. Ticketing Plaintiff without any justification, was done in accordance with the
violating person’s equal protection rights and plaintiff’s right to peacefully protest.
856. On January 7, 2021 the Wauwatosa Police Department through its officer Lt.
Joseph Roy electronically released a huge file to journalists, lawyers, and other
857. It was within this release of documents that Plaintiff discovered that the WPD had
858. Plaintiff has never been arrested nor booked by the WPD.
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any justification, was done in accordance with the WPD’s de-facto policy,
equal protection rights, due process rights, and plaintiff’s right to peacefully
protest.
860. Plaintiff Kamila Ahmed was in Wauwatosa on August 30, 2020 peacefully
861. On this date she never spoke or interacted with the Wauwatosa Police
Department
863. According to the Wauwatosa Police Department report Plaintiff Ahmed was
identified by Lt. Jeffrey Farina and had a brief conversation with him.
864. In this conversation, Lt. Farina claims to have told her that she should not block
traffic.
865. At no time was she asked nor did she say that she was an organizer of the
protest.
866. A few weeks after this peaceful protest Plaintiff Ahmed was mailed a ticket for
867. The Wauwatosa Police Department lacked probable cause in giving Ms. Ahmed
868. Ticketing Plaintiff without any justification, was done in accordance with the
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violating person’s equal protection rights and plaintiff’s right to peacefully protest.
869. On January 7, 2021 the Wauwatosa Police Department through its officer Lt.
Joseph Roy electronically released a huge file to journalists, lawyers, and other
870. It was within this release of documents that Plaintiff discovered that the WPD had
871. Plaintiff has never been arrested nor booked by the WPD.
872. Creating a false arrest record of Plaintiff and then releasing to the public without
any justification, was done in accordance with the WPD’s de-facto policy,
equal protection rights, due process rights, and plaintiff’s right to peacefully
protest.
874. On this date he never spoke or interacted with the Wauwatosa Police
Department
875. A few weeks later Plaintiff was mailed a municipal ticket for Special Event Permit
876. The Wauwatosa Police Department lacked probable cause in giving Plaintiff
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877. Ticketing Plaintiff without any justification, was done in accordance with the
violating person’s equal protection rights and plaintiff’s right to peacefully protest.
878. On January 7, 2021 the Wauwatosa Police Department through its officer Lt.
Joseph Roy electronically released a huge file to journalists, lawyers, and other
879. It was within this release of documents that Plaintiff discovered that WPD had a
880. Plaintiff was not arrested nor booked by the WPD on September 30, 2020.
881. Creating a false arrest record of Plaintiff and then releasing to the public without
any justification, was done in accordance with the WPD’s de-facto policy,
record the police violating Plaintiff’s equal protection rights, due process rights,
883. On this date he never spoke or interacted with the Wauwatosa Police
Department
884. A few weeks later Plaintiff was mailed a municipal ticket for Special Event Permit
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886. Ticketing Plaintiff without any justification, was done in accordance with the
violating person’s equal protection rights and plaintiff’s right to peacefully protest.
887. On January 7, 2021 the Wauwatosa Police Department through its officer Lt.
Joseph Roy electronically released a huge file to journalists, lawyers, and other
888. It was within this release of documents that Plaintiff discovered that WPD had a
889. Plaintiff was not arrested nor booked by the WPD on September 5, 2020.
890. Creating a false arrest record of Plaintiff and then releasing to the public without
any justification, was done in accordance with the WPD’s de-facto policy,
record the police violating Plaintiff’s equal protection rights, due process rights,
891. Plaintiff Gabriella Vitucci was in Wauwatosa on August 13 and August 14, 2020
892. A few weeks later Plaintiff was mailed a municipal ticket for Obstruction False
893. The Wauwatosa Police Department lacked probable cause in giving Plaintiff any
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894. Ticketing Plaintiff without any justification, was done in accordance with the
violating person’s equal protection rights and plaintiff’s right to peacefully protest.
895. On January 7, 2021 the Wauwatosa Police Department through its officer Lt.
Joseph Roy electronically released a huge file to journalists, lawyers, and other
896. It was within this release of documents that Plaintiff discovered that WPD had
897. Plaintiff was not arrested nor booked by the WPD on August 13 or August 14,
2020.
888. Creating a false arrest record of Plaintiff and then releasing it to the public without
any justification, was done in accordance with the WPD’s de-facto policy,
record the police violating Plaintiff’s equal protection rights, due process rights,
889. Plaintiff Joseph Hayes was in Wauwatosa on August 14, 2020 peacefully
890. On this date he never spoke or interacted with any officers from the
891. A few weeks later Plaintiff was mailed a municipal ticket for Disorderly
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Plaintiff a ticket.
893. Ticketing Plaintiff without any justification, was done in accordance with
peacefully protest.
894. On January 7, 2021 the Wauwatosa Police Department through its officer Lt.
Joseph Roy electronically released a huge file to journalists, lawyers, and other
895. It was within this release of documents that Plaintiff discovered that WPD had a
896. Plaintiff was not arrested nor booked by the WPD on August 14, 2020.
897. Creating a false arrest record of Plaintiff and then releasing to the public without
any justification, was done in accordance with the WPD’s de-facto policy,
record the police violating Plaintiff’s equal protection rights, due process rights, and
899. On this date she was arrested by WPD for not having permit for an event that she
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900. Plaintiff was given a ticket for Special Event Permit Required in the amount of
$691.00.
901. The Wauwatosa Police Department lacked probable cause in giving Plaintiff.
902. Ticketing Plaintiff without any justification, was done in accordance with the
violating person’s equal protection rights and plaintiff’s right to peacefully protest.
904. On this date he was arrested by WPD for Disorderly Conduct and given a ticket.
905. The Wauwatosa Police Department lacked probable cause in giving Plaintiff.
a ticket.
906. Ticketing Plaintiff without any justification, was done in accordance with the
violating person’s equal protection rights and plaintiff’s right to peacefully protest.
904. Plaintiff was given a ticket for Violation of an Emergency Order in the amount of
$1,956.00.
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LEGAL CLAIMS
906. All paragraphs of this Complaint are realleged and incorporated as though fully
set forth.
907. At all relevant times herein, the above-named Defendants were “persons” for
purposes of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and acted under color of state law to deprive
908. The actions by the Defendant Officers in unlawfully and falsely detaining,
cause violated Plaintiffs’ Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment Rights to be free from
909. Defendants Weber and McBride knew that the Wauwatosa Police Department
were acting under an unlawful order and that the police did not have probable
cause to arrest Plaintiffs. Defendants Weber and McBride in fact took actions with
the expectation and intent that persons in Plaintiffs’ situations would be arrested
910. The misconduct described in this Count was objectively unreasonable and was
undertaken intentionally, with malice and knowing disregard for Plaintiffs’ clearly
116
912. At all times material, the Defendant Weber was a WPD Chief acting under color of
the statutes, customs, ordinances, and usage of the city of Wauwatosa and was
913. That the described conduct of the Defendants, as set forth above was a cause
914. The Defendant, Wauwatosa, is liable pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 895.46 for payment
of any judgment entered against the individual employee Defendants in this action
because said Defendants were acting within the scope of their employment when
915. Law enforcement’s arrest and detention of Plaintiffs were unjustified and
916. Law enforcement actions were taken in willful, wanton, reckless and malicious
disregard of the Plaintiffs’ constitutional rights, for which Plaintiffs have suffered
injury.
917. While acting under color of state law, law enforcement deprived Plaintiffs of their
Fourth Amendment rights for which Plaintiffs are entitled to damages proximately
caused thereby.
117
919. All paragraphs of this Complaint are realleged and incorporated as though fully
set forth.
920. At all relevant times herein, the above-named Defendants were “persons” for
purposes of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and acted under color of state law to deprive
922. At all times material hereto, the Defendants used unnecessary, excessive force,
without legal cause, in violation of Plaintiffs’ rights under the Fourth and Fourteenth
923. That at the time the Defendants used excessive force there was no threat of
924. That the Defendants’ conduct constituted excessive force without cause or
925. At all times material, the Defendants were WPD Officers acting under color of the
statutes, customs, ordinances, and usage of the city of Wauwatosa and the WPD
118
927. The Defendants, Wauwatosa, is liable pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 895.46 for
this action because said Defendants were acting within the scope of their
928. All paragraphs of this Complaint are realleged and incorporated as though fully
set forth.
929. Law enforcement interrogation of Plaintiffs despite explicit notice that Plaintiffs had
Counsel, and in addition to their specific and explicit invocation of her right to
930. Law enforcement actions were taken in willful, wanton, reckless and malicious
disregard of the Plaintiffs’ constitutional rights, for which Plaintiffs have suffered
injury.
931. While acting under color of state law, law enforcement deprived Plaintiffs of their
Sixth Amendment rights for which Plaintiffs are entitled to damages proximately
caused thereby.
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of Speech and Assembly, Intimidation and Retaliatory Use of Force (As to All
931. All paragraphs of this Complaint are realleged and incorporated as though fully
set forth.
932. The policy and practice of Defendants City of Wauwatosa, Weber, and McBride of
directing and ordering the emergency curfew and dispersal of people peacefully
who through law enforcement obstructive and excessive force action are made
First Amendment rights of association and ability to observe, record and report
their observations.
933. Defendants City of Wauwatosa, Weber, and McBride, in implementing the policy
and practice of ordering the emergency curfew and dispersal of people peacefully
who through law enforcement obstructive and excessive force action are made
unable to comply, place Plaintiffs, and others similarly situated, at continuing and
foreseeable risk of being arrested for exercising their First Amendment right of
association and Fourth Amendment right to be free from excessive force and will
934. Defendants’ actions were taken in willful, wanton, reckless and malicious disregard
of the Plaintiffs’ constitutional rights, for which Plaintiffs have suffered injury.
935. While acting under color of state law, Defendants City of Wauwatosa, Weber and
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Plaintiffs are entitled a declaration that the policy and practice is unlawful and an
936. Plaintiff realleges and incorporates by reference the allegations in the preceding
paragraphs.
937. The acts of the individual Defendants, including unlawfully arresting the
petitioners without any justification, was done in accordance with the WPD’s
protection rights, including by the City’s, and/or in this case to date, Defendant
Weber’s, failure to adequately train the WPD officers for such violations. That
custom in such department, even though such custom may not have received
written formal approval by the City, and even though such de-facto policies are
938. Such official or de facto policy of The City of Wauwatosa through its Police
Department, Mayor, and City Council has interrelated de facto policies, practices,
and customs which include but is not limited to, inter alia:
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kneeing, using chemical agents like pepper spray and tear gas; tackling
b. Retaliating against protesters who record the police and/or speak out
c. Escalating encounters through taunts, slurs, pushes, shoves, and acts that
assembly.
e. Targeting those the WPD has identified as, or perceives to be, leaders,
protest marshals, legal observers, and medics for excessive force and
false/unlawful arrest.
g. Using chemical agents like pepper spray and/or tear gas without prior
warning.
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939. The official or de facto policy or custom of utilizing excessive force and/or
ratified the actions of Defendant Officers, and the unnamed John Doe Officers all
Petitioner’s Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment Rights by, among others, the
Defendant Chief’s failure to adequately discipline and supervise the officers for
940. That the described conduct on the part of all the Defendants, including Wauwatosa
Chief Weber in his individual capacity was a cause of the plaintiff’s injuries, losses
941. The Defendant Wauwatosa is liable pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 895.46 for payment
of any judgment entered against the individual employee Defendants in this action
because said Defendants were acting within the scope of their employment when
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(As to Plaintiffs Kathryn Knowlton, Dana Mccormick, Tracy Cole, Taleavia Cole,
Erik Fanning, Jill Ferguson, Breon Foster, Joanna Geiser, Christina Vitolo-Haddad,
Joseph Hayes, Percy Hayes, Jose Hernandez Ramirez, Destiney Jones, Joey
Koepp, Sonora Larson, Holly Lavora, Lazarito Matheu, Molly Nilssen, Carmen
Palmer, (juvenile) Palmer, (juvenile) Palmer, Leah Porter, Aidali Rivera, William
Rivera, Hector Rodriguez, Nathan Sabel, William Schroeder, Mariah Smith, Peter
Jacqueline Bogenberger, and Raine Cich Against All relevant Defendant Officers)
942. Plaintiffs repeat and re-allege the foregoing paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
943. Count VI is alleged against all Relevant Defendant Officers including Joseph
944. The actions by the Defendant Officers in knowingly searching and seizing
Plaintiffs’ property during the events described in the Complaint, without a warrant,
945. The misconduct described in this Count was objectively unreasonable and was
undertaken intentionally, with malice and knowing disregard for Plaintiffs’ clearly
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suffered damages, including the loss of and damage to their property, as set forth
947. Plaintiffs repeat and reallege the foregoing paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
950. Because said conspiracy or conspiracies and the overt actions in furtherance
thereof, including, but not limited to, each and every act alleged in the facts above,
were done with the knowledge and purpose of depriving Plaintiffs, many of whom
were protesting anti-Black racist police violence and in support of the movement
for Black lives, of the equal protection of the laws and/or of equal privilege and
immunities under the law, and with racial animus toward each and every Plaintiff
individually and as a group, either because of their identity and/or because of what
they were protesting, and the other victims of this racially motivated conspiracy,
125
951. Additionally or alternatively, the Defendants, knowing that the above §1985
committed, and having the power to prevent or aid in preventing the commission
952. The actions of the Defendant Officers were the direct and proximate cause of the
distress, anguish, humiliation, and loss of personal freedom, as set forth more fully
above.
953. Plaintiffs repeat and re-allege the foregoing paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
955. Each of the Defendants acting in concert with other known and unknown
by unlawful means.
956. The Defendant Officers acted under the color of law, and under the authority of
126
preceding claims.
957. Each of the Defendant Officers took concrete steps to enter into an agreement to
unlawfully use force on certain Plaintiffs, and to detain and arrest certain Plaintiffs,
knowing they lacked reasonable suspicions and/or probable cause to do so, and
for the purpose of violating Plaintiffs’ First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendment
rights.
958. In furtherance of this conspiracy, each of the Defendant Officers committed
specific overt acts, misusing their police powers for the purpose of violating
Plaintiffs’ rights. They accomplished this goal by using excessive force on all
959. Each individual Defendant Officer is therefore liable for the violation of
960. The City has acted with deliberate indifference to the First, Fourth, and Fourteenth
Amendment rights of the Plaintiffs. As a direct and proximate result of the acts and
omissions of the City and WPD, the First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendment
961. Defendant Mayor McBride, Chief Weber, and the City of Wauwatosa had the
power to prevent or aid in the prevention of the wrongs done and conspired to be
1983.
127
suffered damages, including bodily injury, pain, suffering, mental distress, anguish,
humiliation, loss of personal freedom, and legal expenses, as set forth more fully
above.
963. Plaintiffs repeat and re-allege the foregoing paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
965. During the events described above, the Defendants stood by without intervening
to prevent the violation of Plaintiffs’ constitutional rights under the First, Fourth, and
Fourteenth Amendments, even though they had the opportunity and duty to do so.
966. The misconduct described in this Count was objectively unreasonable and was
undertaken intentionally, with malice and knowing disregard for Plaintiffs’ clearly
967. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendants’ failure to intervene, Plaintiffs
suffered damages, including bodily injury, pain, suffering, mental distress, anguish,
humiliation, loss of personal freedom, and legal expenses, as set forth more fully
above.
128
preceding paragraphs.
969. That the above-described conduct of all the individual Defendants actions against
970. That such conduct was intended to cause Petitioners unnecessary and severe
971. That such conduct on the part of all the individual Defendants was a cause of the
petitioners.
972. At all times material hereto, the individual Defendants acted maliciously and/or
973. The Defendant Wauwatosa is liable pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 895.46 for payment
of any judgment entered against Plaintiffs in this action because said Defendants
were acting within the scope of his employment when they committed the acts
described above.
11TH CLAIM FOR RELIEF – 42 U.S.C. § 1983 Retaliation for Exercise of Free
Speech
(As to All Plaintiffs Against All Defendants)
974. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference all the allegations in the
preceding paragraphs.
975. At all relevant times, Defendants were operating under color of state law.
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976. The actions of the Defendant Officers described above violated Plaintiffs’ rights to
prevented from further exercising their rights and suffered retaliation for having
977. The Defendant Officers retaliated against Plaintiffs for engaging in protected
protected speech was the substantial and motivating factor for the Defendant
Officers’ use of force against them. The Defendant Officers’ actions were intended
activities in the future and specifically to chill their rights guaranteed under the First
Amendment.
978. At all relevant times, the Defendant Officers were aware that Plaintiffs were
their rights. The misconduct described in this Count was objectively unreasonable
and was undertaken intentionally, with malice and knowing disregard for Plaintiffs’
979. The actions of the Defendant Officers were the direct and proximate cause of the
130
above.
980. Plaintiff realleges and incorporates by reference all the allegations in the preceding
paragraphs.
981. Defendant was operating under the color of state law when he denied Plaintiff
983. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference all the allegations in the
preceding paragraphs.
984. The named and unidentified Defendant Officers subjected Plaintiffs, some of whom
are Black and all of whom were protesting anti-Black racist police violence and in
support of the movement for Black lives, to excessive force and/or unlawful
detention and arrest, and/or suppressed their right to freedom of speech and
assembly, with discriminatory motive and intent, and racial animus toward each
and every Plaintiff individually and as a group, either because of their identity
and/or because of what they were protesting and therefore violated Plaintiffs’ rights
985. The actions of the Defendant Officers were the direct and proximate cause of the
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above.
986. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference all the allegations in the
preceding paragraphs.
988. Because said conspiracy or conspiracies and the overt actions in furtherance
thereof, including, but not limited to, each and every act alleged in the facts above,
were done with the knowledge and purpose of depriving Plaintiffs, some of whom
are Black and all of whom were protesting anti-Black racist police violence and in
support of the movement for Black lives, of the equal protection of the laws and/or
of equal privilege and immunities under the law, and with racial animus toward
each and every Plaintiff individually and as a group, either because of their identity
and/or because of what they were protesting, and the other victims of this racially
motivated conspiracy, the Defendants also deprived Plaintiffs of their right to equal
protection of the laws under the Fourteenth Amendment, and 42 U.S.C. § 1985.
989. Additionally or alternatively, the Defendant Officers, knowing that the above § 1985
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990. The actions of the Defendant Officers were the direct and proximate cause of the
distress, anguish, humiliation, and loss of personal freedom, as set forth more fully
above.
991. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference all the allegations in the
preceding paragraphs.
992. Defendant McBride declared all protests in the city of Wauwatosa to be unlawful
993. When Defendant McBride made this declaration on September 30, no such protest
had begun.
995. Because the targeted protests had not begun, Defendant McBride in effect
996. Nonetheless, Defendant McBride declared all protests unlawful before they had a
997. The actions of the Defendant McBride were the direct and proximate cause of the
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above.
peaceful protest activity and a prohibition of police from keeping files on the
existing files with any other law enforcement or non-law enforcement agencies or
municipalities.
6. An order that the files on activists and peaceful protests be preserved as they are
unconstitutional conduct;
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11. An order that Defendants and other law enforcement agencies whom the
arrest information, fingerprint cards, and any and all data that they have regarding
Plaintiffs.
12. An award of attorneys’ fees and costs pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1988; and
E. Milo Schwab
State Bar No.:
3000 Lawrence Street
Denver, CO 80205
135