A 61-year-old New York resident has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of New York and several police officers, alleging false arrest and violations of his civil rights. Alfonso Guagenti lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on September 25, 2024, naming the City of New York, Megan Finnerty, Jonathan Badillo, and unnamed John and Jane Doe officers as defendants.
The incident in question occurred on June 27, 2023. Guagenti was outside his property at 80-20 Northern Blvd in Jackson Heights, Queens when he called 911 after being assaulted by a tenant during a verbal dispute. Despite having visible injuries and being the one to call for help, Guagenti was arrested by NYPD officers including Megan Finnerty and Jonathan Badillo. According to the complaint, Guagenti informed Officer Badillo about surveillance cameras that would corroborate his account of being choked by the tenant. However, without reviewing this evidence or conducting further investigation, Officer Badillo ordered Guagenti's arrest.
Guagenti alleges that he was handcuffed too tightly and placed in a holding cell for several hours before being released without any charges. The complaint states that all actions were taken under color of state law and were part of unconstitutional policies or practices within the NYPD. "Despite there being no reliable evidence that plaintiff had committed any crime," the complaint reads, "the responding NYPD Sergeant... ordered that plaintiff be arrested as well."
The lawsuit claims these actions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern within the NYPD involving inadequate investigations and failure to review available video evidence. Citing other similar cases such as Adriana Guzman v. City of New York and Marko Vujinovic v. City of New York, Guagenti argues that these systemic issues have led to multiple false arrests.
Guagenti is seeking compensatory damages for physical injuries, emotional distress, loss of liberty, and violations of his constitutional rights under both federal and state laws. He also seeks punitive damages against individual officers involved in his arrest.
Guagenti is represented by attorney Brett H. Klein from Brett H. Klein Esq., PLLC. The Case ID is Civil Action No.: 1:24-cv-06778.