Facts

Steven Sartori sued the County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and officers Anna Marie Matusik, Martha Genem, Joe Vasquez, Lorena Rosales, and Hani Ayoub, in connection with an incident that occurred on Oct. 2, 2010.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff contended that defendants entered his property without a warrant or other lawful justification and proceeded to confront him as a suspect in a recent traffic accident. Plaintiff contended that the officers unlawfully arrested him, and also beat and pepper sprayed him during the incident. Plaintiff claimed that the officers filed police reports, false probable cause determination, and filed charges of battery against two of the officers. Plaintiff claimed that he was acquitted of the battery charges based on exculpatory video evidence that exposed the officers' conspiracy to violate his rights. Plaintiff claimed that the authorities ignored his complaints, prompting him to sue defendants alleging use of unreasonable force, false arrest, malicious prosecution, and conspiracy to deprive civil rights, among others. Plaintiff asserted causes of action for violation of civil rights, a "Monell" claim under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983, assault and battery, false arrest, torts in essence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, negligent employment, and claims under the California Civil Code.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Defendants denied plaintiff's allegations, and asserted various affirmative defenses.

Result

The jury rendered a verdict in favor of the defense, on the federal claims of illegal entry, illegal search, excessive force, malicious prosecution and conspiracy.