California woman awarded $17 million in landmark case against deputies

Los Angeles: A woman from Northern California, Nakia Porter, has won a historic $17 million settlement after being assaulted and unlawfully arrested by Solano County sheriff’s deputies in 2020. Porter filed a federal lawsuit accusing the deputies of excessive force, unlawful seizure, and assault, arguing that her civil rights were violated during the incident.

The case stems from an incident on the night of August 6, 2020, when Porter was driving home with her father and three young children. The family had pulled off the road to switch drivers. According to the lawsuit, Porter, who is Black, stepped out of the car and explained to the deputies that they were simply changing drivers and would soon continue their journey.

Despite her explanation, body camera footage shows deputies drawing guns on Porter, slamming her to the ground, and handcuffing her along a rural road in Dixon. Porter’s father, Joe Powell, was also briefly detained. Porter alleged that the deputies punched her in the head and stomach, kneeled on her back, and pulled her hair. She lost consciousness during the assault and was dragged to the back of the squad car. She regained consciousness about five minutes later.

Porter spent the night in jail on suspicion of resisting arrest but was never formally charged. Her attorney, Yasin Almadani, said, “What happened to Ms. Porter and her family should never happen in our society.” The Solano County Sheriff’s Department and county officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Details of the assault and lawsuit

Porter’s lawsuit also claims that the deputies lied in their arrest reports, exaggerating her alleged resistance and the duration she was unconscious. Body camera footage supports Porter’s version of events, showing her repeatedly saying, “I am not resisting. You are not reading me my rights.” Despite this, the deputies pushed her against a squad car, then slammed her to the ground while attempting to handcuff her.

The video captures a deputy shouting, “Put your hands behind your back. Get on your stomach,” moments before Porter lost consciousness. Another deputy can be heard saying, “I think she’s out,” while she was unconscious. Porter, who is 5-foot-2 and weighs 125 pounds, described being dragged to the back of the squad car while unconscious, an experience she said left lasting emotional trauma.

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“These deputies treated us less than human and left a void we are still struggling to fill,” Porter said in a statement. “I cannot describe what this type of experience does to a person, but I wish it on no one.” The settlement marks one of the largest of its kind in California for civil rights violations by law enforcement and reflects the seriousness of the deputies’ actions.

Porter’s case highlights broader concerns about excessive force and accountability within law enforcement agencies. Legal experts say body camera footage played a key role in supporting Porter’s claims and ensuring the deputies’ actions were publicly documented. The settlement provides some justice for Porter and her family, while also sending a message about the importance of respecting the civil rights of all citizens.

The lawsuit and settlement also underscore the challenges faced by people of color during interactions with law enforcement. Porter’s attorney emphasized that the case was not just about monetary compensation but about holding public officials accountable for misconduct.

In conclusion, Nakia Porter’s $17 million settlement brings attention to the dangers of excessive police force and highlights the role of the judicial system in protecting individual rights. The case serves as a reminder of the need for accountability, transparency, and respect for all citizens, ensuring that such incidents are not repeated in the future.