Sponsor: Board of Commissioners
Title
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Settlement Agreement in Torrey-White v. Ramsey County, et al. (Court File No. 22-cv-02524)
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Recommendation
recommendation
1. Approve the settlement agreement with Michael Torrey-White relating to Torrey-White v. Ramsey County, et al., (Court File No. 22-cv-02524), totaling $75,000.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the settlement agreement.
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Background and Rationale
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On February 28, 2020, Ramsey County Deputies were called to a scene of a domestic disturbance happening in a parking lot of an apartment complex. The male individual was described as wearing dark clothing, around 5’9”, heavier set, and in his late 30s to early 40s. Deputy Williams arrived first on scene finding Mr. Torrey-White (hereinafter Plaintiff) alone in the parking lot. Plaintiff refused to speak with the deputy and turned away from Deputy Williams placing his hand in his pocket. This caused Deputy Williams to place his hand on Plaintiff, out of caution of not knowing what could be in Plaintiff’s pocket, to conduct a pat down. Plaintiff jerks away from the deputy. After a controlled takedown, handcuffs were placed on Plaintiff. After additional facts were discovered, it became evident to Deputy Williams that Plaintiff was not the individual involved in the domestic disturbance.
Plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit in 2022 against Ramsey County, Deputy Williams, and other sheriff’s deputies who were involved in the incident in February 2020. The Complaint alleged multiple violations of Plaintiff’s constitutional rights, assault, battery, and malicious prosecution. Plaintiff sought attorneys’ fees, costs, emotional-distress damages, and punitive damages.
The parties participated in a settlement conference of the matter on June 20, 2024. At the settlement conference, the parties agreed to settle the lawsuit, pending approval by the Ramsey County Board.
The settlement provides payment of $75,000 to the Plaintiff.
The settlement disclaims liability by Ramsey County and provides for full dismissal of the lawsuit and full release of Plaintiff’s past and pending claims against Ramsey County.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
There is no direct racial equity impact related to this request for board action.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There is no community engagement associated with this request for board action.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Ramsey County is self-insured. The settlement will be paid out of the county’s tort liability fund.
Last Previous Action
On July 2, 2024, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in a closed session to receive advice from and provide direction to the County Attorney’s Office.
Attachments
1. Settlement Agreement