Suit filed in federal district court this week by Joseph Greenwald & Laake, P.A. on behalf of plaintiffs
Joseph Greenwald & Laake, P.A. (JGL) today announced that it recently filed a lawsuit in federal district court (District of Columbia) against the United States Secret Service and U.S. Park Police – including their leadership – alleging numerous egregious violations of the Fourth Amendment rights of their clients, Yasmeen Winston and India Johnson. Winston and Johnson are represented by JGL partner Tim Maloney, senior counsel Drew Laframboise and associate Bridget Cardinale.
The lawsuit arises from an incident at the National Mall during the summer of 2020 in which Secret Service officers rammed Ms. Johnson’s car, detained her and Ms. Winston unlawfully, and pointed loaded rifles at their heads, all predicated on a faulty belief that they had stolen a car. The complaint alleges severe violations of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, and includes several accusations of excessive force, as well as practice and pattern violations and a history of excessive force by both agencies.
“Beyond the physical assault our clients experienced, there’s a profound emotional impact that accompanies such an outrageous violation of personal rights and dignity,” explained Tim Maloney and the lead litigator on the suit. “No person should ever be subjected to such wanton disregard for their constitutional rights. We intend to shine a light on these egregious abuses, with the hope that no other individuals will ever have to experience such deep-seated trauma at the hands of those who are supposed to protect us.”
More details and a PDF copy of the complaint are available here (PDF). To schedule an interview with Maloney and the plaintiffs, please contact Barbara Lauterbach at blauterbach@jgllaw.com with your request.
Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, P.A., is one of the most trusted law firms serving Washington, DC, and the suburban Maryland area. For more than 50 years. The firm has represented a variety of clients, including individuals, small businesses and multimillion-dollar corporations. From simple to complex legal needs, JGL is prepared to deliver strategic solutions with high standards. For more information, please visit the firm’s website at jgllaw.com.
