A civil rights lawsuit has been filed against Nassau County Sheriff Anthony J. LaRocca, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department, and several unnamed deputies, accusing them of excessive force and abuse.
The case stems from an incident on December 9, 2024, while plaintiff Alexander Williams III was in custody at the Nassau County District Court. According to the complaint, Williams was verbally and physically assaulted by an unidentified deputy referred to as John Doe #1. The situation escalated when Williams requested respectful treatment, leading to further alleged violence by multiple deputies. The complaint states that Williams was punched in the face, resulting in a fractured nose and additional injuries. He was subsequently handcuffed and allegedly subjected to further physical abuse, including being kicked and sprayed with mace while on the ground.
Williams alleges that the defendants violated his constitutional rights under the Fourth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. He claims these actions were part of a broader pattern of misconduct within the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department, citing inadequate training and supervision as contributing factors.
The plaintiff seeks compensation for his injuries and suffering, including $500,000 for each of his first two claims under 42 U.S.C. §1983, as well as punitive damages and attorney fees. For subsequent claims of assault, battery, negligence, gross negligence, and recklessness, Williams seeks amounts exceeding the jurisdictional limits of lower courts.
The plaintiff is represented by attorney Richard C. Obiol of Civardi & Obiol P.C. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case ID 2:25-cv-04499.