A New York resident has filed a civil rights lawsuit against a detective and Nassau County, alleging false arrest and malicious prosecution stemming from events in late 2023.
According to the lawsuit filed by plaintiff John Brozick, on November 20, 2023, he discovered through security footage that his estranged wife, Nicole Madden, along with her family members and friends, was removing property from their marital home in Syosset, New York. Brozick alleges that this action violated a court order requiring the property to remain at the residence during divorce proceedings. He reported the matter to police and confronted Madden, but officers at the scene did not prevent the removal of items.
Later that evening, Brozick returned to the home with his father to collect some belongings. Madden allegedly accused him of assaulting her by pushing her into a table saw. According to the complaint, Officer Frauenberg observed Madden running toward the garage but did not witness an assault. Detective Taylor M. Coupe later authorized charges against Brozick for third-degree assault based on Madden’s statements. The charges were dismissed in March 2024 after body camera footage reportedly contradicted the allegations.
Brozick claims that the arrest lacked probable cause and that the charges were motivated by malice. He is seeking compensatory damages of no less than $3 million, along with punitive damages and attorney fees.
The plaintiff is represented by attorneys Steven Y. Harken and Steven J. Harfenist of Harfenist Kraut & Perlstein LLP. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under 25-cv-2649.