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Civil Rights
Excessive Force
Unlawful Arrest

Mario Morones v. County of Los Angeles, Deputy Tumser, Deputy Orosco and Does 1 through 25

Published: Mar. 22, 2024 | Result Date: Nov. 7, 2023 | Filing Date: Sep. 27, 2021 |

Case number: 2:21-cv-07690 Settlement –  $430,000

Judge

Dale S. Fischer

Court

CD CA


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Daniel C. Sharpe
(The Matian Firm APC)


Defendant

Lenore C. Kelly
(Collinson, Daehnke, Inlow & Greco)

Laura E. Inlow
(Collinson, Daehnke, Inlow & Greco)


Facts

In February 2021, deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department observed a neighborhood carwash fundraiser to raise money for a deceased member of the community. Several individuals in attendance were allegedly holding open containers of alcoholic beverages. Plaintiff Mario Morones was detained for a public intoxication investigation after a deputy claimed to hear Mr. Morones make a disrespectful comment towards them. The facts were disputed as to the words exchanged and tenor of speech between Plaintiff and deputies leading to the incident. Deputies ultimately detained and searched Plaintiff who they observed and smelled to be intoxicated. He told the interviewing lieutenant that deputy sheriff pushed him and twisted his arms, causing swelling to his wrists, while another deputy "chicken winged" him while handcuffing him. The incident was partially captured on a police bodycam, which was activated part-way into the incident. He sued LA County, alleging excessive force and unlawful arrest. Plaintiff alleged physical injuries which included a hernia surgery he attributed to the incident.

Result

The case settled for $430,000.


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