Sponsor: Board of Commissioners
Title
title
Settlement Agreement in Stephan Nicholas Holmes v. Reed Newkirk, et al. (Court File No. 0:22-cv-02985)
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Recommendation
recommendation
1. Approve the settlement agreement with Stephan Nicholas Holmes v. Reed Newkirk, et al., Court File No. 0:22-CV-02985, 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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Mr. Holmes was booked into the Adult Detention Center (ADC) on June 10, 2021. At the time of his booking, Mr. Holmes was in a wheelchair because of back and spinal cord issues. Mr. Holmes remained wheelchair bound for the duration of his detention at the ADC.
On July 20, 2021, while on a phone call during recreation time, Mr. Holmes was instructed to return to his cell. Mr. Holmes refused to end the call and return to his cell despite multiple directives. In response, a Corrections Officer called for additional assistance, sprayed Mr. Holmes with chemical irritant after issuing a warning, removed Mr. Holmes from his wheelchair, and placed him on the ground where Mr. Holmes was handcuffed.
Mr. Holmes file suit in federal court alleging that during the July 20, 2021 incident, the Corrections Officers violated his constitutional rights by using excessive force, being deliberately indifferent, and failing to intervene. He also asserted state law battery and negligence claims.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
There is no racial equity impact associated with 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
The county is self-insured, and the settlement agreement will be paid out of the county’s tort liability fund.
Last Previous Action
On November 12, 2023, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in a closed session to receive advice from and provide direction to the Ramsey County Attorneys’ Office.
Attachments
1. Settlement Agreement