Sponsor: Board of Commissioners
Title
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Settlement Agreement in Daeshon Tucker v. Dwight Fontae Smith, acting in his individual and official capacities, and Ramsey County, et al. (Court File No. 62-CV-25-1086)
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Recommendation
recommendation
1. Approve the settlement agreement with Daeshon Tucker, Court File No. 62-CV-25-1086, totaling $100,000.00.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the settlement agreement.
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Background and Rationale
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On May 11, 2023, Plaintiff, a then 16 year-old housed in the Ramsey County Juvenile Detention Facility (JDC) pending criminal trial, and JDC employee Dwight Smith were having a verbal exchange as Plaintiff was locked in his pod. At some point during the exchange, Smith unlocked Plaintiff’s door and took him to the ground, slammed his head against the ground, and eventually restrained him by putting his arms behind his back. Plaintiff was treated for head and bodily injuries after the incident. Smith’s employment with Ramsey County was terminated the same day.
Plaintiff sued Smith, in his individual and official capacities, and Ramsey County. Ramsey County has declined to defend and indemnify Mr. Smith in this action to the extent he is being sued in his individual capacity. The parties reached an agreement during settlement negotiations, subject to Board approval. The Board approved the settlement in a closed session on July 22, 2025.
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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 impact 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. Ramsey County is not part of the Minnesota Intergovernmental Trust due to its population size.
Last Previous Action
On July 22, 2025, the Ramsey County Board met in a closed session to receive advice from and provide direction to the County Attorney’s Office (Resolution B2025-146).
Attachments
1. Settlement Agreement