News Details

Manning & Kass Defense Victory Makes Headlines and Garners Commendation

Manning & Kass partner Mildred K. O'Linn, along with support from associates Courtney Robinson Arbucci and Monica DeLeon, as well as Appellate Litigation (Strategy, Writs, and Appeals) Team ("SWAT") leader Scott Wm. Davenport, obtained a defense verdict for the City of Fresno, garnering media attention and accolades. In a letter of commendation, city attorney Doug Sloan stated that (Ms. O'Linn, Ms. Arbucci, Ms. DeLeon) "went well above and beyond all expectations" ... "in a time when law enforcement across the country needs support."

The Fresno Bee reported on the verdict in a June 17 article titled, "Jury clears Fresno officers in federal civil rights case." The article reports, "A federal court jury on Tuesday cleared two Fresno police officers of using excessive force and unlawfully arresting a 15-year-old Hoover High School girl after school after a disturbance at a diner near campus that was crowded with students.

Jurors deliberated just 35 minutes in what was a clear-cut victory for Fresno police Sgt. Larry Hustedde and officer Jeffrey Kaiser, who were the lone remaining defendants after the city and Chief Jerry Dyer were dismissed from the case by mutual consent of both sides."

Bruce Rudd, the city manager, is quoted as saying, “I'm glad we made the decision to defend our officers. There are times you have to make a stand and this was certainly one of them.” To read full newspaper coverage of the Fresno victory, click here.

ABC 30 Action news also reported on the verdict. You can watch a video clip of that coverage by clicking here.

The Governmental Liability Team at Manning & Kass, well known for defense of police officers, handles:
    • dangerous condition cases;
    • educational law;
    • internal affairs investigations;
    • law enforcement officer liability, including
        - arrest related deaths
        - civil rights defense
        - electronic control device (ECD) litigation
        - in-custody deaths and medical issues;
    • municipal liability;
    • policy review; and
    • public entity defense and audits.

 

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